Lasalle Secondary senior girls' basketball guard Amanda
McDonald has come a long way in basketball and she's ready to
keep climbing to new heights.
From a raw rookie who admits to having no standout ability, to an elite all-around star, McDonald has paid the price to become one of the most complete players in local girls' high school basketball.
In her five years, McDonald went from the bench to an elite
starter and completely transformed herself as an athlete and
person.
Now, she's ready to take the big leap into university
basketball. Due to her size, skill and experience, McDonald is
one of the most coveted high school players in North America.
Reaching her peak this season, McDonald lead Lasalle to
another city championship (20th in the last 22 years) and fifth
straight NOSSA crown this past weekend.
She also busted out offensively, leading the Division I loop
with 101 points in just eight games.
McDonald always sets the bar high for excellence and
consistency. The entire squad followed her lead, as they went
8-0 in the regular season and marched through the playoffs,
culminating this past weekend at NOSSA.
McDonald has enjoyed her wild ride this season.
"It's been a great season so far," said the 18-year-old.
"This season was a bit of a surprise. We knew we were going to
be good, we just didn't expect the success we have had. It's
amazing to play with these girls. It was especially nice since
last season I was sick with mono and missed five months."
McDonald made the most out of her fifth and final year.
"Coming back for an extra year gave me the chance to work on
the fundamentals," said the Grade 12 student. "I got better and
got more experience to help me at the next level. I gained more
confidence. I've been doing what my coaches have been telling
me to do and it's worked out well. I didn't just improve, but
as a team, we all improved. I have absolutely no regrets about
coming back...it was the right decision."
Professional teammates made for another memorable season.
"I can't say enough about my teammates," said McDonald. "We
all started back in the summer and everyone was on board since
the first practice. It was amazing to get another chance to
play at Lasalle. I don't want to leave this program...I love it
and would stick around for as long as I could."
McDonald feels quite capable of being able to help a
post-secondary squad in the future.
"I'm still undecided on where I will go," said the guard. "I will wait until the season is all over before I make my decision. I am ready. I have worked hard and always worked hard. When I started, I wasn't the most talented player. It took a lot of time and work. I never gave up and I never will. Defence has always been my strength as it comes naturally to me."
 
McDonald is a student of the game and has all the tools to
be an effective player, no matter the situation.
"Amanda is an all-around player," said coach Mary Collinson. "She literally knows every position and has played every position. Amanda is confident and versatile. She's definitely one of the top defensive players in the province.
Players don't want to play against her. She can shut down
opposing players. She can do it all and has a tremendous impact
on our team."
High school basketball has been a huge influence in
McDonald's life.
"It's a big part of my life...my basketball team is like a
family to me," said the player. "I have grown up a lot over the
five years in the Lasalle program. I would hope so. After
getting sick last year, it showed me just how much I love the
game because I missed it so much when I couldn't play. I've
taken on a bigger role every year and my leadership skills have
improved. I had a role this year to show the younger girls the
ropes. It was fun."
McDonald and her teammates head for Stratford today to participate in the OFSAA AAA basketball championship.
