P.O. Female Athlete of the Week: McKenzie Gelvin
The resume of talent on the McConnellsburg girls basketball team was enough to turn heads at the start of the season, and now three weeks removed from the District 5 playoffs, the Lady Spartans are hitting their stride, thanks in part to the team's newest addition.
McKenzie Gelvin has helped change the face of McConnellsburg as a catalyst for more well-rounded scoring, and is the spearhead for the team's fast-paced offense at point guard.
Last week, Gelvin solidified her new role by putting up 75 points through three games, while directing the offense to a 3-0 week. Her efforts earned her the P.O. Female Athlete of the Week honor.
"A lot of her points come in transition, but she's also been shooting the three-ball well, too," McConnellsburg coach Brent Seville said. "And we are distributing the ball well. If we can start having two or three girls in double figures each game like we have been, we are going to be untouchable."
Gelvin said, "I think we all have been playing really well together, and this week we were kind of meshing as a team and everything is falling into place. (Against F-M) I hit four 3's, so that helped. I haven't been shooting very well throughout the season, and that was definitely the best shooting game I've had."
Gelvin put up a season-high 33 points against Fannett-Metal, just one point shy of her career high.
"We all work together really well, but I know Bronwyne (Mellott) and I go out on fast breaks and she's always there for me to pass to, and if she has the ball, I'm always there for her, too," Gelvin said. "We both communicate and connect well on the court."
Gelvin, who has committed to run track at Temple next year, fits right into the speedy offense, and along with Kellyn Perry, Bridgette Ritchey, Mellott and Justice Seville, Gelvin uses her speed to move the game at a lightning pace.
"We like to play fast," Brent Seville said, "and with her running our point, and Kellyn stepping up this year with her speed and even Bridgette and Bronwyne can get out in transition, so having (Gelvin) push the ball up the floor, we can get it up before a lot of defenses can get set up. She can handle the ball really well and get by a defender and she's got an awesome first step."
McKenzie Gelvin, McConnellsburg
Sport: Basketball
Grade: Senior
Position: Point guard
Height: 5-foot-5
Parents: Stacy and Jeff Gelvin
Other interests: Gelvin also runs track for McConnellsburg and will attend Temple University to compete on the track & field team. She is a member of student council and varsity club.
Athlete most admired: Allyson Felix, a USA track & field sprinter.
Surprising fact: This season, Gelvin is balancing basketball with indoor track.
Statistics: After averaging just over 14 points per game through the first 11 contests, Gelvin hit an offensive groove ... In a 3-0 week, she put up 75 points, including a season-high performance of 33 against Fannett-Metal on Thursday ... Between games she competed at the Mercersburg indoor track & field invitational on Friday and won the 400 and long jump.