LYNN — Sysy Mcausland-Emmanuel hasn’t even attended her first day of high school yet, but her basketball résumé is already one that many seniors would envy.
The St. Mary’s standout has been a member of the varsity program since seventh grade, making an immediate impression with her skills and poise at a young age. Now entering her freshman year, Mcausland-Emmanuel is already on the radar of Division 1 programs, with offers from Robert Morris University, Fairfield University, and Stonehill College.
Robert Morris was the first school to officially offer Mcausland-Emmanuel back in June.
“I was very happy and surprised,” Mcausland-Emmanuel said. “I didn’t know I was going to get offered but they called me and I’m just so thankful.”
When asked what she believes caught college coaches’ eyes, Mcausland-Emmanuel pointed to her versatile offensive game.
“My ability to dribble past defenders and get to the hoop,” Mcausland-Emmanuel said. “I can shoot off the dribble and have a good pull-up jumper. I’m pretty versatile and believe I can play all the positions on the court.”
While her offense shines, Mcausland-Emmanuel is equally determined to round out her game.
“I’m trying to work more on my defense. I think that’s something I’m going to continue to work on in the offseason,” she said.
Her high school coach, Jeff Newhall, has watched Mcausland-Emmanuel develop since she first joined the program.
“She has been with us since seventh grade and we could tell almost immediately there was a ton of potential,” Newhall said. “She grew quite a bit from seventh to eighth grade and was a big piece in our championship season last year coming off the bench as an eighth grader.”
Mcausland-Emmanuel had a strong showing during the AAU season with MCW Starz which helped boost her recognition.
“Her growth over the high school season has taken off playing for MCW Starz this summer and she has now positioned herself as a national prospect with three Division 1 offers before stepping into high school,” Newhall said. “We expect her to continue to progress on the court, in the classroom and in society as there is a lot more to being a prospect than attacking the hoop.”
Newhall has had many former players get scholarship offers, but even he acknowledged the uniqueness of Mcausland-Emmanuel’s trajectory.
“We have had a number of scholarship players come through here, but I can say that I have never had a conversation with South Carolina until this past July and it was about Sysy,” Newhall said. “It’s great to be on the radar and the work must continue, but I am more confident that Sysy knows the real work starts September 3rd when she enters her first class of high school.”
Mcausland-Emmanuel understands this is only the start and is looking forward to working hard and improving each day.
“I have to focus on one goal and keep a good mindset,” Mcausland-Emmanuel said. “The most important thing is to stay humble and keep working.”
