Musland Siblings Take Different Paths To Cobber Basketball

Article reprinted courtesy of Jamestown Sun and reporter Katie Ringer.

MOORHEAD — After graduating from LaMoure-Litchville-Marion in 2022, Molly Musland packed her bags and began her basketball and academic career at Concordia College.

A few years later, her younger brother joined her.

Molly's brother, Max, a 2024 LaMoure-Litchville-Marion graduate, transferred to Concordia last spring. Max and Molly both play for the Cobbers men's and women's basketball teams.

"Sometimes I will just randomly see him walking in the middle of campus and get to say hi," Molly said. "I see him every day at the dining hall (and) he actually is roommates with my boyfriend, so I actually get to see him a little more often when I hang out at (their) apartment. Our practice times are close to each other as well, so I will see him every day usually before or after our practice too."

Out of high school, Max decided to commit his talent on the hardwood to the University of Jamestown. The LaMoure/L-M alum redshirted for the Jimmies.

"I wasn't allowed to play in any games (but), last season finished up well when I was at Jamestown," Max said. "I just figured that would be the best move for me if I transferred to Concordia. Last season really motivated me to get better because I knew I had a lot of things to work on."

A 6-foot-4 guard, Max has played in 13 of the team's 17 games.

"I think Max has a lot of skill," Molly said.

"Last year he got to focus on getting stronger and becoming a better basketball player. Now I would say his strongest skill set is definitely shooting 3-pointers and his high basketball IQ. He is in the gym all the time getting shots up and also watches a ton of basketball."

Max said, not counting his weightlifting and conditioning sessions, he's training between two and three hours per day. He's averaging 7.8 minutes per game for the Cobbers men, which are 13-5 overall.

"The most challenging thing for me to overcome in the last year for basketball would just be having a lot of confidence when I play," Max said. "I'm not really sure I have a distinct role. I just try to do my best at whatever the team needs from me."

"He is a very smart player, which helps him see the floor and make good decisions," Molly said of her brother. "I also always see him giving high fives to his teammates on the court and bench. He is there to cheer on his teammates when they succeed or pick them up after they make a mistake."

Being a support to the program is also one of Molly's roles.

"I am the 'hype' person on our team," Molly said. "I like to make sure the vibes are always good, and I am always cheering and celebrating my teammates. We are a very balanced group this year. It can truly be anyone's night, even players that come off the bench. We are such a deep and well-balanced team."

Molly is now in her fourth season with the Cobbers. The senior entered her final season with a fiery determination.

"Last season, we did not finish where we wanted," Molly said. "We did beat some good teams in the first half of the season that proved we could play with the elite teams ... (but) we fell short and lost in the first round of playoffs."

The Cobbers ended the 2024-25 campaign with an overall record of 16-10.

"When you end a season not where you intended and have a lower-seeded team kick you out of playoffs, it fuels you," Molly said. "Knowing that the upcoming season was going to be my last, I wanted to make it count. Even though we lost amazing seniors who contributed a ton to our program. I knew that this season could be special."

During the offseason, Molly said the women's team has open gym twice a week where they would scrimmage the Minnesota State University Moorhead women's team.

"In the offseason, we have a lifting packet, a conditioning packet and shooting workouts each week," Molly said. "At Concordia, it is not required to stay on campus, so the work you put in is one your own."

The team's preseason begins the first day of classes.

"Preseason is also always a grind, but I find it more enjoyable because it's with the whole team," Molly said.

The Cobbers' official season began in mid-October. The team's first game was held on Nov. 12.

"In season, we have a two-hour practice (almost) every day besides game days or off days with additional lifts and shooting workouts throughout the week," Molly said.

The Cobbers are 14-3 overall and 8-2 in the conference standings.

Molly has certainly become a presence on the floor. The senior was named a starter at the beginning of the season — a first for her in her college career.

"My freshman through junior year I was more or less the sixth man," Molly said. "I contributed to the team in a variety of ways then but nothing compared to now. (This year), my role has changed to be more dominant and more of a threat on each end. Meaning (my team) can rely on me (to score) if needed and trust me to get stops on the other end."

Molly is averaging 9.6 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. She is shooting 44% from 3-point range.

"Having game experience is unique," Molly said. "When you come in as a freshman, the game feels very fast and it takes you a moment to adjust to the collegiate speed of basketball, your new team's standards, the style of play that they use and new basketball lingo.

"Being a senior, you have had four years with your coach, the game has slowed down for you and you have gained a ton of basketball IQ. Being an upperclassman is also special because you get to be mentors and leaders for the underclassman of the team and the connections you build with everyone is special."

Watching her brother play is special for the soon-to-be college grad.

"I get to watch all of Max's games in person and be there cheering him on," Molly said. "All of our games are doubleheaders (which) means my parents get to watch Max and I both play every single Wednesday and Saturday, which is fun for them. I have really appreciated my parents' support throughout all the years. They are always at (our) games no matter how far the drive is. ... It's nice to have some family on campus."