By Trey Hunter
Sports Editor
Rachel McDowell was selected to the Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State team, which was released Wednesday on the OCA website.
The Okarche senior averaged 13.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game over 31 games played during the 2019-20 season, helping lead the Lady Warriors to the Class A state semifinals for the second time in three years. She also averaged two seals per game as one of the top defensive players in the state.
“It feels great to know all of the practices, long summers and sacrifices I’ve made for basketball have paid off,” McDowell said. “I’ve always looked up to past Okarche players and wanted to be just like them. Now I’m part of the ‘Crew’ and it’s an awesome feeling.”
Okarche coach Kelli Jennings said she is proud of the way McDowell led on and off the floor over the last three seasons.
“She led in her ability to lighten the mood and create a relaxed atmosphere,” Jennings said of the three-year letterman. “But she also led in her work ethic. On the floor she created matchup problems for every team we played. Her ability to play almost every position on the floor was a huge part of the team success we had this year.”
Jennings also notes the value of McDowell’s humility throughout practices, games and team activities.
“She would be the first to say that she could not have earned this reward without her teammates. That’s a quality that makes her so rare. She is humble, kind and hard working. It was an honor and privilege to coach her.”
McDowell helped lead the Lady Warriors to three district and regional championships as well as two area titles and two trips to the state tournament. She was also selected to the Oklahoma Girls Basketball Coaches Association All-State team, the OCA Class A All-Star team and was named the 3 Rivers Conference Player of the Year following the season.
The 2020 OCA All-State games are scheduled to be played July 29 at Oral Roberts University.
