In the end, a last-second granny shot won Herington senior McKenzie Shippy one year of free tuition.
McKenzie told Salina Post on Monday that she was more than a little interested in attending Friends University and playing basketball for the Falcons, but she was concerned about the cost of a private university education.
When she found out about Friends’ Hoops Hysteria, she jumped at the chance.
According to the Friends University website (friends.edu), prospective Friends students had the chance to earn a year of free tuition as a part of the Hoops Hysteria event on Saturday during halftime of the men’s game with Southwestern College. McKenzie said approximately 20 prospective students were on hand for the event.
McKenzie told Salina Post that when her name was called, she was told she had 30 seconds to shoot a free throw, a three-point shot, and a half-court shot. The free throw went in on the first try, but the three-pointer took six tries, she said.
“Really great for a basketball player, huh,” McKenzie said and laughed.
With only five seconds left to shoot the half-court shot, McKenzie said she decided her only chance was to shoot an underhanded granny shot.
“I just don’t practice half-court shots, so I went with a granny shot,” she said.
The first one didn’t go in. With one second left, McKenzie launched another granny shot and this time, it went in!
“I just fell to the floor and soaked it all in,” McKenzie said. “The crowd went crazy!”
McKenzie said that although she was shooting in front of a large crowd, she wasn’t nervous.
“I was focused, but not worried,” she said.
While McKenzie was focused, her mother, Carrie Shippy, who was shooting video of her daughter’s attempt, was thrilled.
“It’s just absolutely exciting!! Still unbelievable how it all worked out. So glad to see all her hard work and dedication be rewarded in an unexpected way. God has perfect timing,” Carrie said Monday.
After enjoying the moment, McKenzie said she made her commitment to play for Friends official.
Video courtesy Carrie Shippy