Episode #22 - Justin Hegna from Breakdown Sports USA

The Bare's Den w/ Matt Bare

For this episode Matt gets together with a very well respected figure in the Minnesota High School Basketball scene and that is the founder and president of Breakdown Sports USA - Justin Hegna. The Breakdown works with many high school sports but their beginning and what their most known for is basketball.
Justin shares where the idea for his business came from and and how it ultimately started in 2001 as a single basketball publication. He describes what is was like to win a state championship as the coach of the Becker girls varsity basketball program in 2007 and how his time as coach has helped him build relationships and grow his company. After stepping down as coach Justin was able to focus more on developing the business and adding other layers to it like some of their very successful events for example the Tip Off Classic that is typically run in December. Justin gives his thoughts on the most memorable game he has witnessed from one of the Breakdown events, the most memorable individual performance as well as the matchup over the years he wished would have happened but didn't.
They also discuss what it's been like running their business during the pandemic and how they were able to put on a very prosperous fall league still for teams. After having gone through that experience Justin also shares his thoughts on what it might be like for the high school basketball season this winter if that gets up and going. He also dives into why he believes that MN high school basketball is being played at such a high level currently.
Enjoy this conversation in the Bare's Den with Justin Hegna!