Owensboro Catholic’s McKay named OT Girls’ Basketball Player of the Year

March 15, 2019 | 12:25 am

Updated March 15, 2019 | 7:01 pm

Owensboro Catholic’s Hannah McKay has been named The Owensboro Times 2019 Girls’ Basketball Player of the Year. | Photo by Ryan Richardson

After leading her team in both points and rebounding during a successful season, Owensboro Catholic’s Hannah McKay has been named The Owensboro Times 2019 Girls’ Basketball Player of the Year.

The season isn’t yet over for the Lady Aces, as they play Saturday in the semifinals of the state tournament in the first Final Four appearance in program history.

McKay helped Catholic go 17-0 against 3rd Region opponents — with all wins coming by double digits — on the way to earning their third trip in four years to the state tournament. She was also instrumental in helping the Lady Aces win another All “A” Classic state championship.

McKay was the unanimous MVP of the All “A” Classic, and head coach Michael Robertson said her determination helps drive the team.

“She has a never-lose attitude,” Robertson said. “She’s a fighter. She can’t stand to lose, and it shows when she’s on the court.”

McKay was reliable night in and night out for Catholic, and she paved the way with 13.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. Most of her points came in the paint and from mid-range jumpers, but she also hit 11 of 27 attempts from the 3-point line.

With much of the offense running through her down low, McKay earned the most trips of anyone on the team to the free throw line, where she knocked down 92 of 125 attempts.

“I think I’ve really improved since freshman year,” said McKay, now a junior. “I just go out on the court and try my hardest and try not to worry about anything.”

Though she spends most of the time in the post, McKay is quick and athletic. As part of a Catholic defense that can create fast break chances off turnovers, Robertson said McKay is successful at both ends of the court.

“She’s unbelievable at anticipating where the ball is going to go,” Robertson said. “She has a knack for getting rebounds and steals. She’s lightning quick. She gets out on the break extremely fast, and we do a good job of finding her.”

Though she’s still developing into an all-around leader, Robertson said McKay helps provide a spark and does what it takes to make the team better.

“She’s always brought energy,” he said. “From the opening tip on, she gets in there and rebounds for us. She’s very unselfish and she plays well with her teammates.”

McKay said it’s natural for her to always go hard and she enjoys when the team can play fast.

“I always go 100 percent and run the floor any chance I can get,” she said. “I’ve pretty much been doing that since freshman year. I’m competitive on the floor.”

March 15, 2019 | 12:25 am

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