McMahon drives home point in CCS finals

"It was a lot more excitement than relief," McMahon said. "We have to prove something every time we step on the court."

McMahon, a 6-6, 190-pound junior, also had something to prove this season. After coming off the bench as a sophomore last season, McMahon stepped into a starting role and helped the Padres capture not only the CCS title but the West Catholic Athletic League crown.

McMahon scored a game-high 22 points in the CCS championship game, on 7-of-10 shooting from the field. He also knocked down two 3-pointers. McMahon hit three of his first five shots to set the tone in the championship game. That came on the heels of a semifinal performance in which he scored 12 points against Leigh.

For his efforts, McMahon has been named this week's San Mateo Daily Journal Athlete of the Week.

"It's important (to start quickly) but more importantly is my mindset, not to get discouraged," McMahon said. "It's a lot easier when I get the first couple of shots to fall."

Serra coach Chuck Rapp admitted there were high expectations for McMahon this season, but said it took a while for him and the rest of the team to achieve their goals.

"I think he's become the player I expected him to be but it's been a process to get there. A process for him and the team," Rapp said. "Right now we're where we're supposed to be. It's a process. And a microcosm of the team's process was Tommy's process. He went through his growing pains. I think he's really grown as a player and as a person."

McMahon said he really didn't put too much pressure on himself this season, knowing that the team surrounding him would help out a lot. He was grateful to have gotten the experience playing varsity last year and knew he had to step up his game this season.

There was also talk of McMahon being one of the top junior players in the Bay Area. While he tried to put that kind of talk out of his mind, the thing that did get to him was the jealousy he felt from opposing fans.

"I try to go out and play my game but I hear all the negative stuff," McMahon said. "I want to go out and prove myself every time."

That's why McMahon relishes the chances he gets to dunk during games.

"It pumps up everyone," McMahon said. "I like to give a little bit back to the fans for coming out and supporting us. It's good to get everyone involved (in the emotion of a game)."

McMahon's high-flying act this season may have caught many opponents by surprise. He had developed a reputation of being a 3-point specialist so imagine a defender's surprise when McMahon would not hesitate to pump fake and drive the baseline for a reverse layup.

It's McMahon's versatility that has drawn interest from colleges. He has already received letters of interest, including major Division I schools from the East Coast.

"His strengths (coming into the season) were perimeter shooting and [rebounding], and he's done both of those. I think he's really improved at being a low-post presence, where we can get him the ball inside and he can score in there, he can finish in there. Tommy's a tough matchup," Rapp said. "And he's getting better with the ball. Next year what you'd like to see is him get really proficient at taking his guy off the dribble and strengthening his defense. Now you're talking about a D-I guy."

Nathan Mollat can be reached by e-mail: nathan@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 102. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com