Jessica McKenzie

[brewer]

Article the in Zanesville paper about her transfer to Muskingum College...

http://www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com/ ... 3527133980

Muskingum lands big-time transfer in McKenzie
Meadowbrook grad Youel also among women's basketball recruits
By JOHN KERR
Sports Writer

NEW CONCORD - Sometimes it takes just one break to turn a program in the right direction.

Muskingum College women's basketball program may have received that break in transfer Jessica McKenzie, who is headlining a star-studded incoming class of recruits. Muskingum went 3-22 last season.

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McKenzie, a West Muskingum graduate and the all-time leading scorer in Muskingum Valley League girls basketball history, has transferred from Division I NCAA qualifier Bowling Green to Division III Muskingum.
A 6-foot post player who can hit the mid-range jumper, McKenzie averaged 25.8 points, 12 rebounds, three steals and three assists per game as a senior at West Muskingum. McKenzie was named Co-Player of the Year in Ohio in Division III for her accomplishments.

"We are extremely happy and excited that Jessica made the decision to transfer here," Muskingum third-year head coach Beth Fox said.

"I knew when I came home from school that I wasn't happy there," McKenzie said of Bowling Green. "The chemistry at Bowling Green (between the coaches and I) wasn't there."

McKenzie, a two-time finalist for Ohio's Ms. Basketball, was one of Bowling Green's top substitutes just prior to last season. Then she injured her knee three days before the start of the regular season and missed six weeks of time. She was one of the key players off the bench upon returning, then her playing time dwindled as the season progressed.

"I think my knee was my downfall," McKenzie said. "This is a clean slate. I'm looking forward to a fresh start."

"She's a very dominant player. Not only is she a tremendous athlete, she is a very intelligent young lady," Fox said.

McKenzie is giving up the full-ride scholarship of Bowling Green to play at Muskingum, where she'll major in Special Education. McKenzie preferred the right to pay student loans, be a normal college student and to be happy over a free college education.

"It wasn't an easy decision," McKenzie said of leaving Bowling Green. "My parents have been very supportive about it ... I'll be close to home and my family will see my play more often than at Bowling Green. And I know a lot of the girls on the team and went to school with Jess Lenhart (at West M)."

A sophomore, McKenzie will likely play the 5 and be the focal point of the offense. The addition of McKenzie also allows returning starter Leah Miller to play the 4, her more natural position.

"I've been a post all of my life. I love to play in the post. I just want to play, but I really love the post," McKenzie said.

"Jessica is not only an answer offensively, but defensively she'll be a huge help as well," Fox said.

In addition to McKenzie and Lenhart, the Muskies have Tri-Valley grad Kortney Kaser, who missed last season due to injury, and John Glenn graduates Elizabeth and Katie Guinsler on the roster.

"We've made it a point to make a push to get more local kids. It's paid off like I thought it would," Fox said. "We love to get local stars. It helps attendance, recruiting and is good for the program."

Morgan graduate Alona Pavol (5-10), an All-MVL selection who averaged 13 points and seven rebounds her junior season, provides the Muskies with possible help on the inside.

Muskingum's recruiting class also includes Meadowbrook graduate Tiffany Youel, a transfer from Mount Vernon-Nazarene. A potent scorer, Youel can make an immediate impact at the point or 2-guard for the Muskies.

"She's a player. She's very versatile," Fox said. "She handles the ball like the boys. She's a heck of a shooter too."

Youel and McKenzie played together in high school at the district East-West All-Star Game at Buckeye Trail.

Muskingum's class not only includes McKenzie and Youel but two of the five first-team All-Eastern District Division II players from last season.

West Holmes' Brittany Mathie, a 5-11 forward and first-team all-district selection, averaged 11.3 points per game for the state-ranked Lady Knights.

"She is a heck of a rebounder," Fox said.

Kelly Polen (5-11) of Cadiz Harrison Central, popped in 18.3 points per game last season.

"She is an excellent 3-point shooter," Fox noted.

Cambridge's Lacy Baker is also expected to contribute.

[It's the Journey...]

I hate to see her go since she was so solid off the bench for us, but if she feels this is the best move for her then I wish her all the luck in the world. Being from that area (I live 15 minutes from Muskingun and almost went there myself) I can say that she will have a huge impact and the rest of the OAC should look out for the Lady Muskies in the very near future. Just those few players mentioned in the article indicate they are loaded. We all know how much of a difference it is to have a deep, solid bench. So again, good luck Jessica.

[Falconboy]

I guess that means less redshirts to give out if any, which is fine by me. Meckenzie didn't blow me away or anything, so I'm not crying. We're probably getting better athletes with our new class anyway.

[It's the Journey...]

She came off the bench and played her role. Why do you have to talk her down? And, are you saying our current athletes are not that athletic? It's no wonder people see 99% of your comments as negative...

[Jacobs4Heisman]

I thought Jessica had the skills to be an All-MAC post player. Her depth off the bench will be missed, even on this team.

[patrickbg]

She came off the bench and played her role. Why do you have to talk her down? And, are you saying our current athletes are not that athletic? It's no wonder people see 99% of your comments as negative...

c'mon, give him a break... she wasn't 6'8". anything less than that is obviously not D1 worthy.

[Falconboy]

She came off the bench and played her role. Why do you have to talk her down? And, are you saying our current athletes are not that athletic? It's no wonder people see 99% of your comments as negative...

All I'm saying is she didn't blow me away with mad skills or anything. She didn't look horrid or bad in the games I saw her in but she didn't look she was ever going to be a force in the middle for us like a Honneger. She honostly looked more like a very average athletic small forward. Never saw her attempt 3's so it didn't appear like she had much range. All I'm saying is I'm not crying or thinking its the end of the world that Meckenzie left. I know this sounds rough to you guys, but I don't believe we're missing much.

[It's the Journey...]

Well, I guess it must be really nice to live in your world then. The rest of us will give credit where it is due and won't tear someone down unnecessarially.

[BGSU96]

I personally am very sad to see Jessica leave. A preseson knee injury delayed the start of her career at BG but when she finally was able to play I thought she came off the bech and gave us some quality minutes. I wish her nothing but success at Muskingham.

[Rightupinthere]

It takes quite a bit of maturity to see that there wasn't chemistry for her here. She took the high road and is finding happiness.

I wish her all the best and much success at her new venture.