The Interview: Khamya McNeal
Khamya McNeal 5’7 Guard | Milwaukee King | Wisconsin Elite | Senior After spending nearly two years at Shorewood High School, McNeal decided to make a change for her final years. The next two years have been spent at Milwaukee…
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Continue Reading5’7 Guard | Milwaukee King | Wisconsin Elite | Senior
After spending nearly two years at Shorewood High School, McNeal decided to make a change for her final years. The next two years have been spent at Milwaukee Rufus King High School where she has developed into one of the top players in the state. McNeal plays summer AAU basketball with Wisconsin Elite where she earned numerous Division I offers from multiple schools across the nation. Prior to her final senior season, McNeal made national news by selecting Syracuse University for her college basketball career. This season McNeal has led her Milwaukee King squad to an undefeated conference season. She is averaging 18.4 points, 4 assists and 6 rebounds per game. She leads the conference in scoring. This season she has had her season-high 27 points on two separate occasions against Oak Creek and Pewaukee.
A basketball player who seems to only get better and more efficient, McNeal is an exciting player to watch. She excels on defense where she uses her size and quickness to create turnovers. She has a quick first step that makes her fly past defenders. She’s added an exceptional outside shot to her game this season and also has been seen doing multiple flashy step back three-pointers per game. She has one of the best pull up jumpers that is extremely difficult to stop defensively. Not only is McNeal a true scorer she is a facilitator as well. I’ve watched her find her teammates in transition more efficiently than any other player this season. Simply put, she makes her teammates better.
In conversation with McNeal it is clear her poise attitude and maturity stem long outside the basketball court. A humble and smart student, McNeal couldn’t help but to attribute her success to all the support around her. She speaks about her coaches, her teammates and her mother who have molded her into the workhorse she is today. Prep Girls Hoops has enjoyed watching and covering Khamya McNeal and look forward to seeing her success at Syracuse University in the years to come.
What has it been like playing for Rufus King HS?
McNeal: It has been a great experience, I’ve enjoyed my two years playing here. I’ve grown tremendously as a player thanks to my coaches and teammates.
How did your offense improve this season?
McNeal: My offense has improved a lot. I have developed a mid range shot which helped my game become more versatile. I’ve learned how to take control of the game and make the right plays.
Favorite gym to play in?
McNeal: Our home gym; because of the atmosphere of the crowd. The support from our family and friends helps keep the team’s energy high during games.
Best player you’ve played against?
McNeal: This year, has to be Kamorea Arnold. She’s a great player and to be only a freshman she has a very high IQ and maturity level.
Do you have pre-game rituals?
McNeal: My pregame ritual is Potbelly. Also listening to music, I have to listen to music before every game, it clears my mind and gets me focused.
What’s your go-to before game song?
McNeal: My go-to song right now is 20/20 by Lil TJay
Why Syracuse?
McNeal: I chose Syracuse because it instantly felt like a family. The coaches and players made me feel welcomed and I enjoyed everything about my visit. It was an extremely hard decision but I knew that Syracuse was the right place for me, I just felt it.
What advice do you have for younger athletes wanting to play basketball at a Varsity and collegiate level?
McNeal: Be willing to learn. Be open to learning new things and perfecting your craft. Work hard in every drill and every practice. Take advantage of the time that you have because before you know it it’ll be your senior year and you’ll be playing in your last high school basketball games.
Who inspires you?
McNeal: My mom inspires me the most because she works so hard everyday to keep my younger sister and I doing things that we love to do and she never complains.