Shots Not Taken

Shots Not Taken is full of a wide range of anecdotal events related to Newman Catholic High School in Mason City, Iowa from the 1960’s into the 80’s. The events range from tragic deaths of a best friend, a beloved coach, an All-American boy as well as an Irish setter. Unusual basketball stories include the author’s scoring average of negative 1 in 7th grade, a winning streak broken at 29 games, Mohawk captains refusing to shake hands before a game, and a player so loaded with stick-um he couldn’t easily pass the basketball. The author reminds us of the differences between basketball in the 60’s and 70’s to the evolutionary game fifty years later. He leans heavily on a compilation of newspaper articles featuring small town Iowa high school basketball teams such as the Rockford Warriors, Lake Mills Bulldogs, Meservey-Thornton Lancers, Cresco Notre Dame, Charles City Comets and Austin Pacelli (MN). McMenimen, the author, was never a star basketball player but reflections of his successes and mistakes will likely stir fond memories for numerous high school athletes. Missed opportunities, moments in the spotlight and Shots Not Taken. Read more