Most high school students would run the other way at the mere mention of summer school.
Shaunacee McKay jumped at the chance.
The result was a breakout season with the Estevan Elecs senior girls' basketball team, and McKay is now positioning herself for a shot with the Lakeland College Rustlers for 2010-11.
McKay is in Europe during the Rustlers' ID camp this weekend, but is making arrangements with head coach Chris King to travel to the Lloydminster school later in April for another tryout.
"He did come to watch one of our games when we were in North Battleford for a tournament," said McKay, a Grade 12 student at Estevan Comprehensive School. "I didn't play my best game but he looked past that, which was good."
McKay may be able to thank her work ethic for at least that much.
She was too old for the Basketball Saskatchewan zone team last summer, but took part in the club's practices anyway.
When she returned to the Elecs she was surprised to discover she'd added a new dimension to her game.
"It really surprised me at the beginning of the year -our first tournament -there was a three-point shooting contest and Shaunacee won it," said Elecs head coach Jessie Elias. "She turned to me and said 'I have never shot threes like that before.'
"With that, Shaunacee's new shot was from the three-point line."
It's been said that the best way to learn something is to teach it, and McKay took that mantra to heart as well.
"She was always asking to come in and shoot right before practice and she was always pushing the Grade 10s to be the best," said Elias. "I know she worked with Bridget Bjorndalen a lot of the time. I would walk in before practice and Shaunacee would be helping Bridget with her shot.
"That's an awesome image to see as a coach."
The disappointment of the Elecs' upset loss to Balgonie at Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association regionals behind her, McKay is now squarely focused on earning her spot with the Rustlers.
"It was kind of a blow, but knowing that I still have an opportunity with this coach that's interested in me, I just have to work hard, train throughout the summer, keep up with my conditioning, and get into the gym as much as possible."
The Rustlers' season begins in October.
