By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Finding players who know how to win has been a top priority for Coach Kim Rosamond and her staff since arriving at Tennessee Tech two years ago. With the track record the program has had with players out of the state of Kentucky, the Golden Eagles are excited to announce their second signee in the 2019 class from the Bluegrass State.
Mackenzie Keelin, a versatile 6-0 guard/forward out of Owensboro, Ky., signed with the Golden Eagles on Wednesday, joining fellow Kentuckian Maaliya Owens from Scott County (Ky.), Dainajoy McFarlane from New Hope Academy (Md.) and Jada Guinn from Oak Ridge.
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," Tech head coach Kim Rosamond said. "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, the 3rd Region All-"A" all-tournament team and to the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer All-3rd Region first team.
Keelin was also selected for the Kentucky Junior All-Star Team.
"Mackenzie is one of the better shooters I have ever had the privilege to coach," said Owensboro Catholic head coach Michael Robertson. "She has a great work ethic and has the desire to continually get better. Her desire and work ethic have led her to getting a college scholarship. 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 also recently played for the Sky Digg Elite club team, coached by Shawn Sullivan and Keith Phillips, Sr.
Tech was an easy choice for the Owensboro native.
"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."
Game photo: Greg Eans | Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer
