Brett Rasmussen is a big reason Lakeville North's boys' basketball team opened the season with nine consecutive victories. The 6-4 forward averaged 16 points per game during that span. He had a season-best 25 against Champlin Park. Here is a closer look at Rasmussen:

The best movie I've seen in the last year? "Transformers 3" with my Minnesota Select teammates in Louisville this summer.

Three words my friends or teammates might use to describe me? Competitive; leader; and probably handsome.

Three songs I never skip on my iPod are ... "Check Me Out" by Ace Hood; "Derrick Rose" by Meek Mill; "The Motto" by Drake.

How do you balance school and basketball during the year? I try to get as much work done in my cooperative career class since after practice I usually go get another workout in.

When did you get started playing basketball? In a Burnsville co-ed YMCA league in third or fourth grade.

At my first varsity practice, I felt ... pretty nervous since Devin Shockley and I were the only sophomores with a mostly senior roster.

What is your most memorable moment as a high school athlete so far? Playing against Jake White (now at Wichita State University) and Chaska in my first varsity game as a sophomore.

What did you work on in the offseason? I worked a lot on my outside shooting, ball-handling, and my leaping ability.

What are your basketball goals for the 2011-2012 school year? To win our section and make a run at a state championship.

To get focused for a game, I ... say a prayer during the national anthem and go over the strengths of the players on the other team.

What is your favorite pre-game meal? My mom's pasta and a big glass of milk.

Who is your school's biggest rival, and why? Lakeville South. My middle school was half north and half south and the games always come down to the wire.

Who is your favorite college or pro sports team and why? The Oklahoma City Thunder because Kevin Durant is the truth and Russell Westbrook is crazy athletic.

When you have time off during vacation, what do you like to do? Play Madden12 or NBA 2k12 if I'm not at Lifetime Fitness playing pick-up games.

In 10 years, I hope I'm ... teaching history at Lakeville North if I don't grow 6 inches and end up in the NBA.

Do you have a secret talent - and if so, what is it? I beat the whole game of Return Man 2 on the ESPN website during my discussion seminar class last year, which was only done by one other person in the school.

What is the best sports advice you ever received? "When you walk into a gym, you have the ability to be the best team there. You just have to play that way." - Orono coach Barry Wohler

RON HAGGSTROM