Hi, my name is McKenzie Gillman also known as MJ.
I am a 5’9, 17 year old senior attending Moreno Valley High School.
I began playing basketball at a very young age and I immediately had a love for the game of basketball.
I then played NJB with my Dad as my coach. My Dad coached me through middle school and has been the toughest coach I have had. He has pushed me harder than anyone and still does to this day. He pushed me like no other coach has but it’s because my Dad knew the potential I had, and I am so grateful because without him I wouldn’t be the player I am today.
I previously attended Riverside Polytechnic High School my freshman and sophomore year and was a key part of two very good teams my freshman and sophomore years.
During my freshman year we went undefeated in league and made it to the second round of CIF where we lost to a tough team. We went 21-7 on the season and I was 6th man off the bench although I would come in early and would often finish the game as a freshman. I was awarded 1st Team All League along with the Scholar Athlete award.
My sophomore year at Riverside Poly High my team was 2nd in league and went to 3rd round of CIF, unfortunately we lost by 2 at home. We went 21-8 and averaged 11 points and 4 rebounds per game. I was the 3rd leading scorer on my team and again was a Scholar Athlete. After this season ended I had some very difficult decisions to make. Our team graduated our 2 top guards and our 6’3″ big transferred to Sage Hill High School in Newport Beach. I want to play in college and felt that in order to get exposure to college coaches I would need transfer to a program that would challenge me to get better everyday. So I decided for my junior year I would transfer to Moreno Valley High School.
Transferring was a very difficult decision, but it was the best decision I have made to advance my basketball skill and career.
Last year was an incredible experience, we won league and went undefeated winning by an average of 50 points, we made it to the CIF 2AA Championship game and unfortunately lost and had a heartbreaking loss to St. Anthony’s (Long Beach). I was leading scorer with 17 points and received co-player of the game.
Additionally, we went to State we got bumped up to division 1. Every game was a road game for us but we still made it to the 3rd round where we faced off against Brentwood school the Division 1 CIF champions at their place. We ended losing by 3 which was a painful lose because we were up 14 headed into the 4th quarter.
Moreno Valley High School and my coaches gave me the 6th Man Award of The Year honors and I was also awarded 2nd Team All League and once again I was awarded Scholar Athlete honors. This was an amazing accomplishment and helped confirm that the decision to transfer was the correct decision for me and my basketball career.
I am a mix between a shooting guard and forward who can make
shots, lock down defender, and can get to the rim.
One of my strongest assets is my defense.
I can guard anywhere from a small guard to a tall big. During travel ball we did not have a big so I took the challenge on and was guarding the bigs for my team. This really helped me gain versatility for the next level.
I have received the honor of being one of the best defenders on my team.
When we are playing a good team my coach challenges me to guard the opposing team’s best players.
It is a challenge I love and embrace.
I would say that transferring schools has pushed me to become the player I am today.
I am a 3 year varsity player who has played AAU with West Coast Elite 16U Regional and West Coast Premier 17U Platinum.
It has also made me be more mentally tough and given me more opportunities.
I am a very hardworking scholar athlete in the classroom and on the court.
I am willing to do whatever my team needs to be better and win.
I am a very coachable player who is able to take criticism very well.
My love for basketball has grown substantially in high school and I aspire to play at the next level.