Hi-Line Athlete Profile: McKenzie Gunter, MSU-N Women's Basketball

McKenzie Gunter was only going to play for the Montana State University-Northern Skylights for two years. A junior college transfer, that's how it goes. So, she no doubt, intended to make the most out of her two seasons in a Northern uniform.

And to start her junior year, that's exactly what she did. As Northern raced out to an undefeated start, Gunter showed why she was highly-recruited player out of the NWAC, and Walla Walla Community College. And for her efforts, she would end her first year at MSU-N with Frontier All-Conference honors.

In between the amazing start, and the accolades at the end of a season in which she led the Skylights in scoring at 11.4 points per game, averaged 3.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game and dad season-highs of 23 points (twice), 6 assists (4 times), and 9 rebounds, there were tough times.

Despite all the highlights, Gunter also missed 13 games with injuries last season, and, probably missed out on a chance to not only do even bigger things individually, but also help her injury-riddled Skylights to great heights.

So, with all of those tough times behind her, Gunter no doubt looked forward to her senior season, where she and the Skylights are poised to do big things. And while she is already averaging 20-plus points in two games this season, it is a season of COVID-19, and that, of course, has thrown everything into upheaval yet again, just like injuries did a year ago.

"This year with basketball there is a lot of uncertainties this season," Gunter said, "but our team is doing a great job of adapting and doing what we need to do to get to play. As of for school it has been very different for the classes that are in person, everyone is socially distancing and wearing masks. With my classes a lot of the students would have to Zoom into class anyways for sicknesses or quarantine situations."

Such is life being a student-athlete in a global pandemic. And while the McCammon, Idaho native, who loves lasagna and rodeo and has worked as a rich hand, is taking it all in stride, she's also keeping her eye not only this season, but also her future. Gunter is majoring in health promotion, and while she says she's not certain what she'll do with that degree, she says sports will always be a part of it if she can help it.

"I am not 100 percent sure on what I want to do with my degree yet, but I would love to stay in the sport atmosphere whether that is coaching or become a strength and conditioning coach."

First thing's first, Gunter is fired up to play her final season of college basketball. And while the pandemic will create plenty of challenges along the way, she and the Skylights are built to have a big season. They are hoping that season continues with a pair of games against former Frontier Conference foe Lewis-Clark State this weekend. First, though, the Havre Daily News caught up with Gunter for five questions.

HDN: Last year was tough because you had some tough injuries. How are you feeling now, and did you do anything different this summer to prepare for the new season?

Gunter: "Last year was very tough with my shoulder injury having to rehab constantly, and never knowing when it was going to dislocate again, but I had a lot of support from coaches, teammates and trainers to help me recover and be able to play a few more games throughout the season. In March I was able to have surgery just in time before they shut down all elective surgeries because of COVID. This summer was different for me because I was very restricted in what I could do. It mostly consisted of rehabbing my shoulder by going to physical therapy twice a week, and slowly gaining range of motion and strength to where I could start working on basketball again. Even though it wasn't the easiest summer I am very grateful to be healthy and able to play basketball again. It definitely has made me not take basketball for granted."

HDN: What is the biggest difference between NAIA basketball and playing in junior college?

Gunter: "I think the biggest difference between NAIA basketball and playing at a junior college is the competition. At my junior college there are only freshmen and sophomores playing, so the competition is still high but there are similar levels of experience. At the NAIA level there is a higher level of experience which in turn creates a higher level of competitiveness."

HDN: What do you consider your biggest strength on the basketball floor, and what is something you wanted to improve upon this year?

Gunter: "I think one of my biggest strengths on the court is that I am a leader and I work hard. I have a lot of areas that I could improve this year, but one thing I want to focus on is my three-point shot."

HDN: Probably not going to be too many fans, if any, at Northern games this season. But describe what it's like playing in the Armory and how awesome the Skylight fans are?

Gunter: "I love the atmosphere in the Armory. The Skylight fans are definitely some of the best in the Frontier Conference. I've always thought that the people and community is what makes Northern so special, and they really do show up and support not only our Skylight basketball program but every sport team and club on campus. Their support and love do not go unnoticed."

HDN: This team this season has a lot of veterans, a lot of talented players with a ton of experience. How good do you think you guys can be this year, and how special do you feel this team is?

Gunter: "I am really excited to play with this group of girls this year. I think we have all of the pieces to be really good this year. We have some great returning players with a lot of experience, as well as some new girls that are going to make an impact on the program right away. I have a feeling we can do something special this year."