Sarah McGee nearly walked away from basketball after her playing days at Salisbury. She just wasn’t sure if she wanted to try to play in college.

But with encouragement from her family, she decided to give it a shot. And now she’s a key piece in Penn State Lehigh Valley’s successful winter campaign that still has goals left to obtain.

“In my earlier years in high school, I always wanted to play ball in college,” McGee said. “But as time went on it slowly became less important. My parents and grandma really encouraged me to keep playing and play at the next level, so I took their advice and decided to play.”

McGee, a freshman guard at PSULV, has started in 18 of the Nittany Lions’ 19 games and is averaging 6.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. PSULV (17-2 overall; 13-0 in PSUAC) hasn’t lost since November 17 against Stevens Institute of Technology-that’s 16 straight wins-and has looked largely untouchable in the Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) play.

McGee is glad to be a part of such a dynamic group that has seen success all season long.

“Coach [Lorie] Khalil was very consistent in trying to get me to come here more than any other coach,” McGee said. “So that was definitely one of the reasons. It’s also close to home, so I can stay close and have opportunities that I wouldn’t have had if I went away to school.

“It wasn’t exactly what I expected, but it ended up turning out really well and being a great experience.”

McGee is one of a number of former local Lehigh Valley high school standouts that is helping lead the Nittany Lions to one of their best seasons ever. Jumping right into a starting role for Kahlil was extra special.

“It makes me feel good because coach Kahlil recognizes certain things that others don’t about me, and even stuff I don’t realize myself,” McGee said. “[We credit our success to] all of our hard work. We outwork everyone in our conference, and it is really showing in our games when we come out with the wins.”

PSULV’s success has centered on its defense. Opponents are shooting just 28 percent against the Nittany Lions and scoring a tad over 50 points per game. PSULV is scoring 87 points per game and close to 90 in conference play.

But the main goal is to win a league championship. McGee and PSULV have that on their radar in the upcoming weeks.

“Once I saw the potential of our team, I set a goal and have no doubt in my mind that we are going to win the championship.”