John Carroll senior guard Kimbal Mackenzie found the spot and held his ground, bracing himself for the welcomed collision.
In helping the No. 5 Patriots to 24 wins during the regular season, the captain has consistently scored, found teammates for key assists and come up with big steals and rebounds.
This time, with the Patriots protecting a slim fourth-quarter lead against Mount Saint Joseph last Monday, Mackenzie had to take a heavy fall — getting a pivotal charging call in the process — to help his team secure a 51-43 win.
In his third varsity season, the Bucknell commit is averaging 15 points, three assists and three rebounds as John Carroll (24-5) gets ready to host McDonogh in the quarterfinals of the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference playoffs on Tuesday. But his worth to the Patriots is more than stats.
"He's an extra coach out there, a very mature guy who brings a lot of stability," John Carroll coach Tony Martin said. "I think you start with the neck up, and just the fact that he's willing to do whatever the team needs him to do to be successful.He's got a very high basketball IQ and he doesn't have an ego."
When Mackenzie, a native of Oakville, Ontario, arrived at John Carroll during the summer before his sophomore year, Martin quickly realized he had a gem when he saw him hold his own playing a pickup game with some college-aged players. Early in that sophomore season, the Patriots had a tough road test at St. Frances and Mackenzie scored the game's first six points and finished with 14 in the first half.
Since, his game has grown with his career point total — 1,452 — and he's emerged as a player his teammates look up to.
"Last year, I had a leadership role, but we also had some seniors that filled that role pretty well," he said. "This year, I knew that I was going to have to step up into a bigger leadership role and do whatever the team needs to get a win, whatever I can do."
Mount Saint Joseph coach Pat Clatchey said the charge Mackenize took last week exemplified what he's provided for the Patriots in his fine senior season.
"I think the first two words that jump out to me are tough and smart," Clatchey said. "He's skilled, fundamentally sound and seems to be a guy that has improved each year and is just the leader for his team. He's become more and more assertive, more confident and that seems to permeate toward his teammates, as well."
Senior forward Malik Tyne agrees.
"Kimbal is a great leader who keeps us together, he just works hard and has been a great example for our younger players," he said.
In the locker room, Mackenzie often talks about seeing past seniors cry after their final game. He uses it to motivate himself and his teammates. The Patriots haven't captured an MIAA or Baltimore Catholic League title in his time, but he's determined for that to change.
After going 22-1, the Patriots have slipped some, with four losses in their last six regular season games. They've endured injuries to Tyne and point guard Elijah Long, but Mackenzie makes no excuses. He wants to use the adversity to grow stronger as a team. With a deep and talented field in both leagues, he knows a title or two won't be easy. He welcomes the challenge.
"It's going to take a lot and we just have to take it day by day," he said. "I've never won a championship here, so obviously we have to follow the coaches who have done it a couple times before. So, it's staying focused every day and not taking anything for granted. Everybody just has to step up, be confident and believe in ourselves and each other."