Omar Iakub is an ASU Cronkite school of journalism student assigned to cover Notre Dame Prep for AZpreps365.com

A good coach can change a game; a great staff can lead to a championship.

Notre Dame prep coach Dell Mims has assembled a standout staff.

Naheer Mirza and Ryan Ramsay are the assistant coaches for the team and have known Mims since he moved to Arizona.

“Me and Mims go way back,” said Mirza. “I was a junior in Paradise Valley and he was the assistant coach and that was in 2009.''

Ramsay said he has known Mims for eight years. “I’ve have been coaching alongside him since his first stint at coaching here in Arizona,” said Ramsay.

The type of bond that Mims and his assistants share is special. “Having that special connection with Ramsay and Mirza is great because we have that open freedom to be able to voice our opinions without stepping on each other’s feet,” Mims said.

Mirza said Mims checks all boxes. “He [Mims] is always energetic no matter what, always preaches learning through positivity, and letting his players enjoy the game by playing freely, He is one of the most committed and caring individuals I have ever met.”

Ramsay echoed Mirza. “Mims has a great attitude no matter what, I’ve been with him for over eight years and he always brings the same energy and compassion for the game and the players every single day.”

The Saints are off to one of the hottest starts in program history with an impressive 9-1 record.

Mims' goals are high.

“Obviously were aiming for region and state champs and we do that by not looking ahead and just focusing on what’s in front of us one step at a time.”

Long term? “We want to build a strong foundation and culture for the young players coming into the program.”

With such high goals come high expectations. So if you are an incoming freshman or looking to join the team the expectations from Mims and his staff are simple. “You have to work hard, have a great attitude, and always be a team player,” said Mims.

After ending the 2020 season with an unimpressive 9-17 record, Notre Dame Prep parted ways with longtime coach Andy Klitz, who finished with a 153-132 career record.

The school hired Mims on April. 23, 2020. Born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, basketball has always been a big part of Mims’ life. Mims played at the college level at Northern State University under legendary coach Don Meyers. After college Mims continued his career professionally with the traveling show team Harlem Ambassadors. Following the end of his professional career Mims then began coaching in 2006 at his hometown alma mater Jefferson High School.

“When I had to give it up my urge to Coach and be around the game was very strong so I got into coaching.” said Mims.

Following his three year-stint as an assistant junior varsity coach Mims and his family moved out to Arizona where he took a Paradise Valley varsity boys basketball assistant coaching job in 2010.

He spent the next 3 seasons in that position before he left in 2014 to become the head coach at Paradise Honors for the next two years. After a three-year hiatus from the game Mims now coaches for Notre Dame Preps girls basketball.

The Saints are off to one of the hottest starts in program history with an impressive 9-1 record. The Saints will be facing a tough matchup against the undefeated Seton Sentinels (11-0) on Feb. 19.