Seniors from William Tennent, CB South and Upper Merion are highlighted.
Millennium Administrators
Highlighting…SOL Girls’ Basketball Players
This recognition is sponsored by Millennium Administrators. Athletes are chosen based on nomination of coaches.
National Conference Millennium Administrators Highlighted Player
Emily O’Donnell – Senior at William Tennent High School
A three-year varsity player, O’Donnell is averaging 13.8 PPG, 10.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. The senior forward – a captain - is connecting on 42 percent of her shots from the field and has six double-doubles in the Panthers’ first 10 games.
Note from the coach:
“Emily has always led by example with an impeccable level of commitment to our program’s schedule and expectations,” coach Paul Veltre said. “She is a true encourager and has always tried to make younger players feel connected and comfortable. We need her to be a consistent scorer and rebounder for us, and she has done a decent job of that so far. We are very excited to go as a team to watch her play at Albright next year.
About Emily:
Best memory playing basketball: My best memory was definitely our game at Lansdale Catholic during my sophomore year. I scored a career-high 23 points, and we won by five in double overtime. It was such an energetic and intense game, and I loved it.
Part of the game I enjoy most: The part I enjoy the most is when a close game comes down to the last few minutes. Whether we’re up or down, my adrenaline is pumping, and every play is intense. A win after you fight so hard for it is the best feeling. However, individually, my favorite part of the game is when I get a block. Hearing the crowd go wild when I swat the ball away really pumps me up..
My role model is: I don’t really have a role model. I look up to both my parents a lot, but they’re not necessarily my role models. I always strive to make my mom and dad proud and impress anyone else who’s watching. However, at the end of the day, I need to know that I gave it my all.
Music that gets me pumped before games: I’m not really particular about the music I listen to before games, only that it’s loud, upbeat and motivating.
Favorite food: Macaroni and cheese. I like all different kinds, not just one kind.
Favorite TV show: During the season, I don’t really have much time to watch TV, but I always try to make sure I’m home to watch Pretty Little Liars. During the summer, I love to sit down and watch the Phillies play.
Chocolate or vanilla: Vanilla
Continental Conference Millennium Administrators Highlighted Player
Kate McMenamin – Senior at Central Bucks South High School
A three-year varsity player, McMenamin is a captain and leader of this year’s squad. The senior center is a solid presence under the basket and averages 5.5 points a game.
Note from the coach:
“Kate is a natural leader who is one of the hardest working girls on the floor,” coach Beth Mattern said. “She put in a lot of extra time shooting in the off-season and working on her individual skills, and it has shown so far this season, especially from the foul line. Kate works hard to keep the team unified and focused on our team goals and tries to rally the troops in a time of need. Kate is a great individual who takes a lot of pride in herself and team, making her the kind of player that you love to coach and could coach forever.”
About Kate:
Best memory playing basketball: When we were down 20 points and came back in the second half to win our game against Abington.
Part of the game I enjoy most: Being part of a team. There is no better feeling than having a bond with the girls you play with on the court. It makes playing the game that much more fun because you are not only playing for you, you’re playing for them as well.
My role models are: My parents
Music that gets me pumped before games: Maroon 5
Favorite food: Penne with tomato vodka sauce
Favorite TV show: Parenthood
Chocolate or vanilla: Vanilla
American Conference Millennium Administrators Highlighted Player
Cassidy Koenig– Senior at Upper Merion High School
A four-year varsity starter, Koenig was a first team all-league selection last year after earning third team honors as a sophomore. A deadly outside shooter, Koenig is the Upper Merion career leader in three-pointers with 228, and she holds the single game record for three-pointers with nine in a single game. Last fall, Cassidy earned all-state honors in volleyball and was named the Times Herald Player of the Year.
Note from the coach:
“Cassidy Koenig has been walking into the gym at Upper Merion since she was seven years old and turning people’s heads,” coach Tom Schurtz said. ”As a seven-year-old at the UMLV summer skills clinic, Cassidy would play with the 12 and 13-year-olds and lead those girls in scoring.
“A quiet competitor, Cassidy led the girls’ volleyball program to three District One titles in four years and has helped the Lady Vikings girls basketball team earn a spot in the District One AAA playoffs in each of her seasons.
“A tremendous shooter, what seems to be often overlooked is that from the moment the game starts, the opposing coach, the opposing players and the fans all call out ‘shooter’ when Cass touches the ball, and still she is able to drown out that noise and make shots.
“She is a student of the game, a great kid and plays with a smile. She seems to have instincts for the big moment. She loves when the clock is winding down and wants the ball in her hands. She is a joy to coach and a lot of fun to watch play.”
About Cassidy:
Best memory playing basketball: My sophomore year, we were in Maryland, and we stayed in a hotel overnight. The whole team watched as we convinced Jackie VanLoan to pierce Brianna Alvarez’s ear. The results were not pretty and coach was not happy. We thought it was hysterical.
Part of the game I enjoy most: I really enjoy making big shots in close games when time is running down, or when we are losing by two and I hit a big three, it is fun, and my teammates all go crazy.
My role model is: Jimmy Rollins
Music that gets me pumped before games: Lil Wayne
Favorite food: Chicken Parmesan
Favorite TV show: Pretty Little Liars
Chocolate or vanilla: Chocolate
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