Girls Basketball

Coaching Staff

John Simso

Girls Basketball Head Coach

Chris Jensen

Girls Basketball - Varsity Assistant & JV Head Coach

Alex Gannaway

GIRLS BASKETBALL - ASSISTANT COACH

C TEAM COACH

Program Description

5th/6th Grade

The St. Croix Prep Basketball program hopes to offer 5th and 6th traveling basketball teams annually. This will largely be determined by the number of participants interested in basketball at these grade levels. Tryouts will determine who makes each team and rosters will be limited to 10-12 participants per team. If numbers allow, we may offer two teams per grade. The High School coaching staff will perform the tryouts and determine who makes each grade level team. Participants should expect to practice 2 times per week and play in 8- 12 weekend tournaments throughout the season. Coaches will attempt to play all players equally. However, playing time decisions will be based on attendance, attitude, and what’s in the best interest of the team.

C Team

The St. Croix Prep Basketball program hopes to offer a C basketball team annually. This will largely be determined by the number of participants interested in playing. The C team will be used as a developmental team for 7th- 9th graders, and will focus on teaching players the fundamentals of basketball. All players are encouraged to try out regardless of skill or past basketball experience. Playing time is not equal on this team, but all players will have the opportunity to improve their skills in practice, giving them a chance to earn more playing time or make a future team. A three-day tryout process will determine the C team roster, and any cuts will be made face-to-face.

JV Team

The Junior Varsity team is used to develop players for future varsity teams. This team could consist of players from grades 7-11 that show the ability to play at the JV level. The JV roster can be fluid during the season, with C and varsity players being moved up or down to play on this team. Seniors that are not getting varsity minutes may be given the opportunity to play JV. Playing time is not equal for this team. A three-day tryout process will determine the JV roster, and any cuts will be made face-to-face.

Varsity

The player limit set by the Minnesota State High School League for Varsity Basketball is eighteen (18) players. This includes the varsity and JV teams together. However, we will not always carry 18 players on the V/JV team. The Varsity Team will consist of players that we believe have the ability to play and succeed at the varsity level regardless of their grade in school. No players are guaranteed a spot on the team because they are seniors or because they played on one of our teams last season. Playing time is not equal for players on the Varsity Basketball Team. A three-day tryout process will determine the Varsity/JV roster. Face-to-face meetings will be used to make cuts if necessary. Player rosters can be fluid with the end goal being to do what is best for the individual and the overall program.

Academic Expectations

Classroom success is just as important as on court success. It will be an expectation that players are students first and athletes second. I will support players and hold them accountable when it comes to their academics.

  • Grade checks will be made every week throughout the season
  •  If a player is receiving a failing grade, or a “D” (middle school students) they will not be allowed to play in games until that grade is brought back up.
  • All SCPA and MSHSL academic eligibility requirements will be enforced.

Player Expectations

It’s an honor and privilege to represent Prep Basketball. Strong efforts must be made at all times to act accordingly at practice, games, in school and especially while out in the community.

  • Players will respect their coaches, teammates, and themselves both on and off the court.
  • Be on time for practice, bus, etc…
  • Use appropriate language at all times (No swearing)

Lettering Requirements

Players will earn a varsity letter if they play in 75% of varsity halves. If a player is injured, it is based upon how many games the player is healthy for. The coaching staff has the discretion and the right to award or not award varsity letters based upon special circumstances. Manager will earn a varsity letter is they attend 75% of games and practices. As with the players, the coaching staff has the discretion and the right to award or not award varsity letters based upon special circumstances.

Playing Time

This year we have young teams that are still learning the game and developing skills. My goal is to get all players as much minutes as possible. However, this does not necessarily mean there will be equal playing time. I have a unique opportunity to balance player development, yet keeping our team competitive. If practices or games are missed, the coaches can reduce playing time based on his or her discretion.

Policies

  • MSHSL Violation during the season forfeits your letter.
  • MSHSL Violation anytime during your high school career forfeits your captainship.
  • MSHSL violation during the season forfeits your opportunity to apply for or receive end of the year awards. (Players are still eligible for statistical awards.)

Sportsmanship

Basketball at the high school level is competitive, educational and meant to be enjoyed. Behavior that does not reflect this understanding is unacceptable. All coaches, players, parents, and fans are reminded to keep things in perspective while honoring the game of basketball and the dignity of all persons involved in the playing of the game at all times.

Social Media

If a student-athletes online profile(s) and/or comments exhibit bullying and/or inappropriate content, the student-athlete will be subject to discipline. Consequences will be handled by the athletic director(s) and/or school personnel based on existing school policy. Please refer to the SCPA family handbook and Anti-bullying policy for more information. Examples of possible athletic consequences:
  • Removal from practice
  • Suspension from 1 or more games
  • Removal from the team/program

Bus

Players are encouraged to ride the bus home from away games. If you as a parent are wanting to bring your daughter home, you MUST email Keven Seim at kseim@stcroixprep.org or 651-395-5904 by 12:00PM the day of the game. If you do not contact us by that time, we will not be allowed to let you drive your daughter home. Only the parent or guardian is allowed to drive their daughter home. They are not allowed to ride with a friend or friends parent.

Under Construction

Please note: We are in the process of updating our faculty directory over the summer and thus some information may be out of date.