Van Buren’s AJ McDonald converts junior season into a stronger senior year

There are several things that AJ McDonald loves about playing basketball. Her favorite, though, is getting the chance to compete and feel other elements the sport provides, like the relentless intensity and team-wide camaraderie.

“My favorite thing about playing basketball is the level of competitiveness,” said McDonald, a 6-foot senior forward for the Van Buren girls’ squad. “I love how intense the game feels at all moments and how it constantly pushes you to give your best.

“I’ve played other sports my whole life, but nothing compares to playing my hardest with four teammates and truly competing on the court.”

As a junior, McDonald – a three-year starter for the Lady Pointers – had a breakthrough season in which she averaged 13 points and seven rebounds. She set the school’s single-season records in rebounding and double-doubles, while also receiving awards such as All-Conference and being named the team’s MVP.

Naturally, McDonald wanted to build off of that season and ensure she wasn’t a one-season wonder. So far, so good, as McDonald was averaging 14.4 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game entering the schedule in late January, as Van Buren stood 15-7 overall and in fourth place in the 5A-West Conference at 4-2.

“From an individual standpoint, my senior year has been off to a great start,” McDonald said. “I was very nervous entering this season with underperforming after coming off of a breakthrough one last year, though I feel like I have been consistent and performed in the way my team has needed from me so far.

“I definitely feel I am strongest in the paint and I do well with my back to the basket. I am able to use my size down low to work defenders down and post up.”

McDonald was also a team captain her junior year, and wanted to  take her leadership skills to a higher level.

“I definitely knew coming into my senior year I had to step into a leader role even more than I had in the past season,” she said. “I knew going in as a second-year captain, I would carry a lot of the weight for responsibilities among the team. I feel that I have been able to do that because of how great my teammates are and how self-motivated they are. I think I have stepped up and been solid for our team throughout this season so far, and I hope to continue to do so.”

McDonald added she has liked seeing the bond grow between her and her teammates on a squad that is still relatively young. She also said she wanted to step up her game after seeing her older brother Glavine – who also played at Van Buren – get the chance to play college ball, as he is currently playing at Doane University in Nebraska.

“I have been playing basketball since I was able to dribble a ball,” AJ McDonald said. “Though what really sparked my love for it was getting to see my brother go to college and play. Seeing him work so hard for something and earning it made me want to do the same.”

Another source of inspiration comes from McDonald’s father, Michael, who is a coach, working as an assistant with the Van Buren boys.

“My dad has been the most influential on the development of my game,” AJ McDonald said. “The countless hours he has spent in the gym with me, or sat and watched film with me, go unmatched. He’s always been my biggest supporter and has been there to celebrate my successes with me as well as grieve the failures, and I would not be the player I am now if it wasn’t for him.”

AJ McDonald, who as of the end of January was not committed to a college but plans to major in nursing wherever she winds up, also credits her coach, Kendall Ruff, for his role in helping mold McDonald into the player she’s become.

“He has sacrificed many of his personal hours to let me in the gym or put me through a workout,” McDonald said of Ruff. “He has e-mailed coaches, put together highlights and helped me make decisions throughout my high school career. He is a huge part of the player I am today as well.”