McDonald a star on rise
PORTERSVILLE — Portersville Christian School is hardly a hot recruiting spot for college basketball.
Abby Moose went to Grove City College and Val Hamilton is a key player at Geneva. Beyond that, PCS players haven’t moved on to the college ranks over the past 12 years.
“It’s not as serious a sport here,” PCS coach Tim Hoban said. “We can’t practice on Wednesdays and we never practice around holidays.
“Our league isn’t that big and the competition isn’t quite as stiff. You have to really be outstanding to get noticed.”
Mary McDonald has gotten noticed.
The Slippery Rock resident is a two-time MVP of the Southwestern Christian Athletic Conference — the nine-team league that includes Portersville — in basketball and was SWCAC MVP in volleyball last fall.
And she’s only a junior.
“Mary is a dependable, all-around athlete,” PCS volleyball coach Anita Slater said. “She was our biggest hitter, our best blocker and plays defense well.”
The PCS volleyball team won the league title last fall. While McDonald was its best player, basketball is her first love.
“Basketball is the sport I want to play in college,” McDonald said. “I haven’t gotten any looks yet, but I’m hoping that changes.”
She has talked with the Grove City coaches. One of McDonald’s best friends, Slippery Rock High graduate Sarah Cessar, plays for the Wolverines.
McDonald averaged 15.6 points and 9.3 rebounds per game this season. She is a 4.0 student as well.
Portersville Christian went 16-0 in SWCAC play and 19-4 overall. The team has lost only one league game in two years.
Portersville Christian is playing in the National Christian School Athletic Association’s national tourney in Erie this weekend.
“There will be some college scouts there and Mary will get noticed there,” Hoban said.
McDonald recorded 21 points and 20 rebounds in Portersville’s 45-37 win over Jefferson County Christian School in the SWCAC title game this year.
“Most of my game is inside play,” she admitted. “I’m working on my outside shot because I know I’ll be switching positions if I play in college.
“I know I need to get better. I’m working on my ball handling and becoming a well-rounded player,” McDonald added. “I love this game. I don’t want next year to be my last year.”
