Article on women's hoops signee

[brewer]

From the Zanesville Times Recorder...

http://www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com/ ... 72996.html

BG mines 'hidden gem'
McKenzie earns full ride with Division I Falcons
By [email protected]
Sports Editor


ZANESVILLE -- Curt Miller is just happy Jessica McKenzie has flown under the national radar.

Bowling Green's fourth-year head women's basketball coach called West Muskingum's 6-1 senior center "a hidden gem" on Wednesday, after she signed a National Letter of Intent to continue her education and play basketball for the Division I Lady Falcons.

"It's an exciting day for our program; she's an integral part of our 2005 recruiting class," said Miller, who led BG to the Mid-American Conference championship game last winter with a young team that returns four of its top six scorers. "I think she's one of the best players in the state; she just hasn't been seen on a national scale.

"She's an explosive athlete with a great first step for a big girl," Miller added, noting that in two years as a freshman, McKenzie should battle 2004 MAC Freshman of the Year Ali Mann for playing time at power forward. "She's the first southpaw I've been able to recruit, and she's very competitive. We look for her to improve the consistency on her shooting range, since she's going to have more of an opportunity to play facing the basket."

"I've had a few others go Division I, and they did well," said West Muskingum head coach and Ohio coaching legend Jack Van Reeth, closing in on 800 career victories. "I expect her to do the same. She has speed, size and desire. Probably the best thing is her great attitude."

As a junior, McKenzie was a finalist for Ohio's Ms. Basketball. The first-team Division III All-Ohioan was Eastern District Player of the Year and Co-Player of the Year in the MVL after eye-popping statistics that included a 22.6 scoring average, 12 rebounds per game, 67 percent shooting from the field, 78 percent foul shooting, three steals and two assists per contest. She led the Lady Tornadoes to their first district championship in 10 years.

After watching a tape of Bowling Green's season, McKenzie decided she wanted to be part of that program. She chose the Falcons over Wheeling Jesuit College while also taking a look at Ohio University, Ashland and Northern Kentucky.

"I like their style of play; it's up tempo," she said after making two visits to Bowling Green, one official, one unofficial. She also took in a football game.

"All the coaches are awesome; they really care about their team," McKenzie said.

Now, she can concentrate on leading West to bigger and better things.

"I want to go to the state," she said. "We have a lot of talented, younger kids."

McKenzie has been a work in progress ever since going up against her brother in the driveway.

"She was just 4 years old, her brother Chad was 12, and there she was, out there playing against him," recalled her dad, Karl.

"I've played since the first grade," McKenzie said. "I liked it, but I wasn't very good at it."

Just six short years ago, McKenzie found herself sitting the bench for her sixth grade all-star team.

"I played about three minutes a game," she recalled.

Then came junior high school.

"I shot up, started playing more, and enjoyed it a lot," McKenzie said.

The rest is history.

She signed her National Letter of Intent Wednesday morning before family, coaches and well-wishers in the high school library. West Muskingum is obviously very close to her heart. She was also an All-MVL and All-District 12 volleyball performer for the Lady Tornadoes.

McKenzie will major in Special Education at Bowling Green, and makes no secret about her goals.

"I want to come back here, and teach and coach," she said.

Originally published Thursday, November 11, 2004


The McKenzie File

Jessica McKenzie

West Muskingum senior center

Basketball: Division III Eastern District Player of the Year, first-team All-Ohio, Ms. Basketball candidate, Co-MVL Player of the Year as a junior.

Volleyball: Division III Eastern District Co-Player of the Year, unanimous first-team All-MVL choice.

National Honor Society student; ranks 22nd in class with 3.9 GPA

Parents: Karl and Vicki; three brothers.

[Falconfreak90]

Great news Brewer! Coach Miller and staff are building a powerhouse!!

TOGETHER WE ATTACK!! GO BG!~ BEAT OSU!

[It's the Journey...]

Having been born and raised in that east central part of Ohio I am happy to see us head down there. The style of basketball played in that part of the state is a lot like what coach Miller has in place here. I only hope he continues to look at that part of the state because there are so many more division 1 calaber players waiting to get a look. Just look at Julie Gompers, she lives 45 minutes from me. It's a women's basketball powerhouse area.

[Mr. Frieda]

Coach Miller is a really awesome guy. He is great with the girls and is experiencing great success. It wont be long before we're worried about what big school is going to want him. Here's hoping he's in love with the Orange and Brown.

[BGSU96]

Great recruiting job by Coach Miller and his staff. Cana't wait to see her wearing the orange and brown next year.