Mankato East coach Joe Madson draws up a play for the Cougars. (Provided)

Tiann Madson used to get her youngest son, Brogan, out of school to go see the Timberwolves when they held preseason practices in Mankato. He became enamored with guard Ricky Rubio.

“I would always watch the practices and get their autographs when they were getting on the bus,” Brogan Madson said. “I liked how Ricky was a connector. He connected with all the guys on the team through his passing ability.”

These days, Brogan is a senior guard for Mankato East, with passing among the skills he wields for the team coached by his father, Joe. Father, son and the rest of the Cougars will begin the school’s 13th state tournament appearance Tuesday as the No. 1 seed when they play St. Paul Harding (18-10) at 10 a.m. in the Class 3A state tournament quarterfinals at Williams Arena.

For more on the Madson and Mankato East, click here to read the story on startribune.com.