WINDSOR — Windsor High’s Brooke McKeen wasn’t looking for anything special in Saturday’s girls basketball regular-season finale against Mount St. Joseph, even though she is the only senior on the returning state champions. But after the Yellowjackets’ 68-27 win over the Green Wave, the cameras, treats and pats on the back arrived.
“I told them I didn’t want any party or anything, but I guess they didn’t listen,” she said as she moved from group to group for photos.
There’s no question that this team is special to her, as she had classmate Robbie Slocum using her camera to take pictures that she will put in a scrapbook to remember her senior year.
“This is like my family,” she said. “I’m so grateful to be on this team. It has been so memorable — really special.”
Her coach, Bruce Mackay, added: “She has been such a pleasure to have here. She’s well-liked and such a good kid.”
The game was expected to be something of a close contest, as MSJ came into the game winning 14 of its last 15 while Windsor had won 10 of its last 11. But it was pretty much over by the half with Windsor up 34-10.
The victory will send the defending champs into the VPA Division III tourney at 16-4 and in third place. While the first round opponent is unknown, what is known is that it will be a home game at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
MSJ will finish at 15-5 and assistant coach Rob Harvey thinks the Green Wave will enter the VPA Division IV tourney in fifth place. “I think we could have move up to fourth with a win,” Harvey added.
Saturday’s win not only kept the Yellowjackets in third place, but it came after the Jacks’ had a subpar performance against Fair Haven and a so-so game with Springfield. But in both those games Windsor had players battling the flu.
“We’re a little healthier now,” said Mackay, who felt his team did a lot of things right on Saturday and is ready for the postseason.
“Our defense was solid and I think our shifting defenses were effective,” said Mackay, who also felt that “our ball movement has been good the last two games. We got a lot of easy baskets.
“I think we’re ready,” added Mackay. “”Everybody knows their roles.”
Junior Olivia Rockwood paced the offense with 19 points, while Sophomore sharpshooter Evelyn Page added 10.
The VPA will make the tourney pairings official on Monday.