Brenna McDonald had a dynamic freshman season for the Natick High girls’ varsity basketball squad last year, and it’s hard to imagine that her sophomore campaign could be even better.
The 6-foot-2 power forward averaged 13 points and 10 rebounds a game, was selected as a Bay State Conference all-star and was voted the Redhawks’ Most Valuable Player. And, in two different games, the Natick native scored 32 points against Norwood and had 20 rebounds against Brookline.
“Last year, the opportunity was there for Brenna to show her skills,’’ said Natick coach Dan Hinnekamp. “Expectations for her this season are high, and we’re hoping she has an even better year as a sophomore.’’
McDonald doesn’t feel any added pressure to surpass last year’s statistics and accolades, but she’s acutely aware that opposing defense will be geared to limit her effectiveness and likely employ some double-teaming.
“My goals are for us to win the Herget Division and go further in the tourney than last year (Natick lost to Worcester North in the second round),’’ she said. “My personal objectives are to improve on last year’s stats and be more aggressive on defense. I don’t feel any pressure, because coach Hinnekamp knows I’ll do my best. There’ll be difficulty to duplicate last year, but hard work will help me reach my goals.’’
The personable McDonald, who can play multiple positions, relies on a variety of strengths. She can jump, rebound and pass, face up in the post and shoot, and play effective help defense. Her court vision and instincts are also sharp. “I can still improve my speed and quickness, my outside and mid-range shooting and my ball-handling,’’ McDonald emphasized.
Hinnekamp likes McDonald’s versatility and all the other assets she brings to the table.
“Brenna can also play center,’’ he said. “She’s got great post moves, especially her turn-around jumper in the key. A very coachable player, she can clog the middle and stop dribble penetration, she defends well and she can shoot. Playing last year with Skyler Schmid was a big plus for Brenna.’’
Last year, against Norwood, when Schmid was sidelined, McDonald took charge, scoring 32 points in a big victory. “I got a lot of rebound put-backs and scored on post moves and drives,’’ she recalled. “It wasn’t easy without Skyler. That game showed I was making progress. I wasn’t even sure before the season started that I’d be on the varsity. Skyler, however, took me under her wing and helped me overcome being nervous.’’
A tenacious, hard-nosed defender, McDonald rates her teammates as top-notch, and she’s a fan of juniors Claire Gaziano (point guard), Makenna Range (shooting guard) and Mia Grundberg (forward). “Claire has lots of energy and she can shoot and pass,’’ McDonald said. “Makenna is a strong offensive player who can hit threes, and Mia is excellent on defense, getting lots of steals and usually guarding our opponents’ top scorer.’’
McDonald, who’s played three years of club basketball, rates Hinnekamp as one of her best coaches. “He’s calm during games and he’s able to motivate his players,’’ she noted. “If you do something wrong, he’ll let you know, but he’s patient with your progress.’’
Natick is off to a good start, defeating Milton, 61-23, in its opener. To achieve her goal of winning the Herget Division, McDonald, who scored 12 points against Milton, knows the Redhawks will have to be at their best against Wellesley and Walpole.
“They’re the teams that will present a big challenge for us,’’ she said. “They’re well-coached and traditionally strong. Wellesley is the defending division champ, and Walpole has a lot of players returning.’’
McDonald relies on a competitive philosophy of working hard and reaching her potential. She firmly believes that if that situation occurs, then winning will follow and create plenty of enjoyment along the way.
Learning life lesson is another plus, she believes, that a competitor can take away from athletics. “Sports help with time management and how to be accountable,’’ she said. “If you make a mistake, you’ve got to accept responsibility. Athletics also teach the value of effort.’’
An honor-roll student, McDonald has plenty of time to plan her future. “If there’s an opportunity to play basketball in college, I’ll certainly pursue that,’’ she said. “If I can keep improving, I’d like to compete at a high level. But, that’s to be determined.’’
Instead of rating her MVP and all-star honors as her top thrills as a freshman, McDonald instead regards being accepted by veteran players and being part of Natick’s overall team chemistry as her most memorable moments.
As her coach says: “Brenna was very instrumental in helping us go 13-7 last year.’’
Issue Date:
January, 2018
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