When raw talent see the right guidance, special thing seem to happen.
The case of Midview’s 6-foot-4 center Mary Meng seems to be a perfect example, as she officially signed to play women’s basketball at Bowling State University on Nov. 16.
“(Signing) feels incredible. I really feel like I have the support of my community behind me is a really special thing,” said Meng. “I feel incredibly blessed to be in this position in the first place. To be able to visually see everyone that stood behind me throughout (the recruiting process) is a special moment.”
The signing was done at Midview High School in the after noon as she was surrounded by teammates, coaches and family. She made it official after Meng committed in October.
High school girls basketball: Midview’s Mary Meng commits to Bowling Green
"We believed in Mary (Meng) from the very beginning when she stepped on the court. You could tell that (she) was going to be something special even in seventh grade," said Brittney McNamara, Midiview's coach and Meng's AAU coach. "To be able to see her follow through with her dreams that is so incredible and is very special."
Meng transferred from Christian Community School to pair with her McNamara, who first coached her in middle school with MAC Basketball.
"When (Meng) reached out to me and said that she wanted me to be her high school coach, it gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling I would say," said McNamara. "It is exciting to see one of these players believe in you so much."
Her impact was immediate. In 2021, she dominated the DiFranco Classic against Avon with the eventual Lorain County Ms. Basketball Award winner Abby Liber. Meng totaled 23 points, six blocks and 26 rebounds, 15 rebounds and five blocks came in the first half as Midview won 58-45.
Midview vs. Avon girls basketball: Middies open season with win at DiFranco Classic
She also gelled with the team at an impeccable rate with All-Ohioan teammate Olivia DiFranco. Meng was voted team captain.
In 2021, Meng averaged 15.7 points per game and 7.3 of her 16.2 rebounds per game were on the offensive end.
Defensively, Meng averaged 1.6 steals per game and 3.9 blocks per game to earn a first team All-Southwestern Conference and second team All-Ohioan selection as a junior.
Meng was grateful to have a coach like McNamara by her side to develop her game and become a Division I-caliber player.
"(McNamara) has been incredible. I couldn't have asked for a better coach. She was basically the only reason why I came to Midview in the first place," she said. "With her coming here, it really felt like God's timing all came together and was so thankful to make that decision to come here."
Not only did the transfer give her the ideal coach, but gave her a competitive Southwestern Conference schedule with elite competition in the area to square off against.
Meng will play for Midview for its upcoming 2022-23 season as they look to compete for a Southwester Conference championship and go further than the district semifinal.
