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 .