By BYRON BEERS / [email protected]
Broken Arrow sophomore McKenzie Mathurin has made a big jump in her sophomore season.
The 5-foot-10 guard, regarded as one of the top players in the state, has nearly doubled her scoring output since her freshman year. She’s averaging just under 21 points per game for the Lady Tigers, who are currently 16-8 after a 69-56 win over Westmoore Thursday at a Class 6A East Regional in Choctaw.
Mathurin, who also averages 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.4 steals, already has college offers from more than 25 Division I programs, including Oklahoma State, as well as other schools from the Big 12, Big Ten, SEC, PAC-12 and ACC conferences.
“Kenzie is one of the top 25 players in the state,” Broken Arrow head coach Shane Coffey said prior to the season. “She has already fielded multiple Division I offers this past season including 4 of the 5 Power 5 conferences slating offers.”
Mathurin, who averaged 11.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists as a freshman, has scored 20 points or better in 14 of Broken Arrow’s 24 games. She posted a season-high 34 points against Oklahoma City Millwood and finished with 31 against Owasso on Feb. 14.
“Kenzie has continued to elevate her game by becoming a consistent 3-level scorer,” Coffey said. “Kenz is someone you want on your team. She is a fierce competitor that has a refuse-to-lose mentality. She exhibits skills on the court already beyond her years.”
Other notable performances this season include a double-double against Jenks on Dec. 16 with 17 points and 11 rebounds, and a 20-point effort behind 10-of-11 overall shooting against McLain on Jan. 19.
How long have you played basketball?
McKenzie: I’ve played basketball for about 8-9 years.
How do you balance your time between sports and academics or other activities?
McKenzie: When I don’t have training or a workout after practice then I choose to do my homework in my free time.
Do you have any goals this year in basketball, academics, or other activities?
McKenzie: My goal is to finish with straight As. And I want to win player of the year in our conference.
What is your favorite drill to do in training?
McKenzie: I love playing a shooting game called “baseball” (it’s complicated) but it’s really fun!
What are your strengths and what have you improved on the most over the course of your high school career?
McKenzie: My strengths would be getting to the rim and finishing, and I’ve improved on my shooting and defense throughout my freshman and sophomore years.
What are your thoughts on the current season from both an individual and team standpoint?
McKenzie: I feel like our team is coming together. Our team chemistry is just going through the roof. And I feel like I’ve locked in mentally for my team.
What’s your most memorable basketball moment during your high school career?
McKenzie: The most memorable moment would be when we beat Union in their house on a buzzer beater 3 last season.
What do you love most about being a student-athlete at your school and why?
McKenzie: I feel my school does a very good job attending our games and showing support. I love to see my friends watching me while I play the sport I love.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
McKenzie: I love watching Netflix and hanging out with my brothers at home.
What do you feel is your biggest achievement this season on the court?
McKenzie: In the first game of the Bartlesville Tournament (against Millwood), I had 27 points in the first half and finished with 34 for the game. I also had five steals. I played very well overall.
What qualities do you think make someone a good teammate or leader?
McKenzie: To be a good leader you also need to be the servant first. Putting others before yourself, and I feel like that’s what it takes to be a leader.
What are your plans after high school?
McKenzie: I want to go play college basketball at a high level.
