Maura McAfee Sets Hope Women's Basketball Rebounding Record In Win

Maura McAfee Sets Hope Women's Basketball Rebounding Record In Win

Maura McAfee's Hope College rebounding record came from far more than just physical talent.

The senior forward from Midland, Michigan (Midland HS) is above any Flying Dutch player with 955 rebounds after Saturday's 73-53 win at Adrian because of her drive to get the basketball, Hope coach Brian Morehouse said.

"Scoring is depending on a pass to you. Rebounding is just all individual effort," Morehouse said. "It's heart. It's determination. Maura has proved herself to be a great rebounder every year at Hope."

McAfee, pictured, passed Kristin Carlson's 943 rebounds from 1991-95 by recording a career-high 17 rebounds and 13 points against Adrian (9-9, 6-4 MIAA).

"It's pretty cool knowing how many great players have come before you and knowing that your name will be up there with those players," McAfee told The Holland Sentinel. "I feel very fortunate to be a part of that group and the fact it came in a win makes it that much better."

Saturday was McAfee's ninth double-double this season and her 12th game with double-double digit rebounds.

McAfee shared team-high scoring honors with junior forward Elizabeth Perkins of Eaton Rapids, Michigan (Lansing Christian HS).

Freshman forward Francesca Buchanan of Grant, Michigan (Sparta HS) added 11 points off the bench.

Hope broke open the game by outscoring Adrian 22-8 during the third quarter for a 55-35 lead. The Bulldogs rallied to trail 33-27 at halftime after scoring 18 of the second quarter's 28 total points.

McAfee's 955 rebounds in 109 games include a Flying Dutch record 620 defensive rebounds. She is third all-time with 335 offensive rebounds. 

McAfee is rising among Hope's career scoring leaders as well. She reached 1,260 career points against Adrian and passed Lisa Hoekstra (1,249 from 1996-2000) for fifth place. 

McAfee needs seven points to pass Jordyn Boles (1,266 in 120 games from 2004-08) for fourth place.

The top three Flying Dutch scorers are:

  1. Amanda Kerkstra - 1,568 points in 107 games from 1999-2003
  2. Carrie Snikkers - 1,430 points in 111 games from 2007-2011
  3. Karen Gingras - 1,368 points in 86 games from 1982-86

"The great thing about Maura is she understands who she passes and asks questions about them," Morehouse said. "She respects the people who are on that list. She never set ought to be the best rebounder ever at Hope. It just happened through effort and being resilient." 

Click here for the Flying Dutch's updated career leaders.

Hope returns to action on Wednesday, Feb. 3 when the Flying Dutch host Alma at 6 p.m. for the 10th anniversary celebration of DeVos Fieldhouse. Fans are encouraged to wear orange.