Unsung Heroes

All season long, Birmingham Detroit Country Day’s Aerial Powers and Amber Deane have been grabbing the headlines, and rightfully so. Powers recently signed with Michigan State and Deane has signed to play for Dayton and the duo is averaging nearly 40 points per game combined.

But Country day has a couple of unsung heroes this year in the frontcourt in seniors Mary Kate MacLean and Kasey Crockett. Neither will wow you with the amount of points they score, but each do just about everything for the Yellowjackets.

MacLean was faced with the unenviable challenge of filling the shoes of the 2010 Gatorade National player of the year, Madison Williams last year and has done the job well. This season, MacLean has averaged seven points per game, nine rebounds and over three blocks per contest.

MacLean is also extremely valuable because of her ability to pass the ball, whether it’s outlet passes for the Yellowjackets to get out an run or in half court sets, MacLean makes a number of passes to set up scoring opportunities. It really wouldn’t be a surprise to many if MacLean was one of Oakland County’s assists leaders.

Crockett is one of the top low-post defenders in the County, having the ability to shut down any teams inside scoring threat in just about any game. Crockett also has similar stats to MacLean, averaging about six points per game and grabbing seven rebounds while blocking on average two shots per as well. Crockett is also a big help to the Yellowjackets in the transition game with getting the ball to Deane, Powers or junior guard Asia Doss in situations where Country Day tries to push tempo.

Also, keep an eye on Doss, especially next season as Doss will likely carry the scoring load for the Yellowjackets as she has continued to become an all-around scorer with her ability to score in the lane and still knock down some shots from the outside.