With less than two weeks to go until she starts her senior season, Owensboro Catholic’s Mackenzie Keelin has already signed to continue her basketball career with Tennessee Tech.
Keelin, a versatile 6-0 guard/forward, was the final addition for the 2019 class for the Golden Eagles.
A force for tradition-rich Owensboro Catholic, Keelin averaged 13.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game for the Lady Aces in 2017-18, scoring 460 of her career 1,060 points and grabbing 143 of her career 425 rebounds. She helped lead the OCHS team to a berth in the St. Elizabeth Healthcare/KHSAA Girls’ Sweet 16 state basketball tournament.
“Mackenzie Keelin’s upside is tremendous,” TTU head coach Kim Rosamond said in a press release. “She is a deadly shooter that can handle the basketball, pass, rebound and defend. You don’t see many players at her size with the guard skills she possesses. Mac is a driven competitor who is a gym rat who loves the game. Her work ethic and talent are second to none, and she will thrive at the next level.”
The Lady Aces, aided by Keelin’s efforts, have won three district titles and two region championships. She was named to the all-district team twice, the 3rd Region all-tournament team and the 3rd Region All-“A” all-tournament team.
Keelin was also selected for the Kentucky Junior All-Star Team.
Owensboro Catholic head coach Michael Robertson said Keelin is one of the better shooters he has ever had the privilege to coach, and she has the desire to continually get better.
“Her desire and work ethic have led her to getting a college scholarship,” Robertson said. “She will be missed greatly by me when she leaves, because she is a great kid and easy to coach. Tennessee Tech is not only getting a great player, but a great person as well.”
Keelin said TTU was an easy choice to continue her career.
“I love the coaching staff and the players,” Keelin said, “as well as the academic opportunities Tech has to offer.”
Academically, she is also an impressive student, serving as a member of the National Honor Society as well as a three-time Kentucky High School Athletic Association Academic All-State pick.
“Mac is an outstanding student who works just as hard in the classroom,” Rosamond said. “She is a leader in her school and a role model off the court. Her integrity and character make her who she is and someone our fans will be proud to have in a Tech uniform.”
