The 12U Mago Vista Mustangs are 5-0 this season.

By John Singleton

At Mago Vista basketball, fun and friendship can lead to a first-place finish. Playing in the Anne Arundel County "Jazz" B-League Coach Dave Hemmerle’s 12U girls have stormed to a 5-0 record, beating formidable opponents from Cape St. Clair, South County, Lakeshore, St. Mary's and Severna Park.

“I’m very proud of this team of young ladies,” said Coach Hemmerle, a Severna Park resident. “They’ve been friends for a long time, they enjoy the game, and that makes for great chemistry on the court.”

These seventh-grade girls have learned that a good defense is sometimes the best offense. They credit their fast start to a suffocating zone press, and a tenacious 2-3 half-court defense. Creating havoc in the opposing teams backcourt has resulted in some easy baskets.

"Our press helps us get a lot of turnovers," states Hannah Welle, who leads the team in steals. “Everybody has an important role in the press and it’s important everyone knows their responsibilities.”

When opposing teams do break the Mago Vista press, the girls quickly regroup into a stingy 2-3 defense. Coach Hemmerle has also emphasized limiting an opposing team’s second and third shots by using proper technique when boxing out for rebounds.

"Even if the other team does get a shot off, we usually rebound the ball the first time" says Tess Bradshaw, who leads the team in rebounds.

The unbeaten Mustangs squad is made up of fast friends from Mago Vista and Severna Park. Caroline Walker and Kathryn Ryan anchor the team’s offense, each taking turns playing point guard. Working the wings on offense are Lizzie Gustafson, Leenie Hemmerle, Julia Ryan and Elizabeth Keller. The team’s three tallest girls, Tess Bradshaw, Hannah Welle and Sami Bang, rotate through the center and forward positions.

“Although many of the girls have been friends for years, this is their first time playing basketball together. They have come together quickly, and have demonstrated many of the lessons they learn in practice,” Added Coach Hemmerle. “Even though the girls have been successful so far this season, they all understand the most important aspect of the game is to have fun!"

With games against Lakeshore, St. Mary’s and unbeaten Meade, down the stretch the Mustangs are focusing on the fundamentals. Big games are won by students of the game and this group of girls is paying attention to the details. Every practice includes ball-handling, footwork drills, and foul-shooting practice.

“The girls will continue to strive to get better, and hopefully continue their win streak,” summarized Coach Hemmerle. “But many tough games lie ahead.”

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