Former South Salem Star Hired as McNary Girls Hoops Coach
Ex-Saxon Mike McShane helped lead South to first ever boys title in 1996
The McNary Celtics girls basketball program is getting a high profile coach with a great local pedigree. Mike McShane, who helped direct South Salem High to its first ever state boys basketball championship in 1996, is returning to the local area after living in Oklahoma for the past eight years.
The 45 year-old McShane is most prominently known for his outstanding basketball skills in three seasons at South Salem. His senior year, he suffered an injury that left him on the sidelines for much of the regular season. But he recovered in time to help guide the Saxons through the playoffs and on to the 4A championship against Barlow. He was named first team all-tournament and first team all-state for his efforts.
McShane played collegiately at Oregon, and then Montana State-Billings, putting up impressive numbers in steals and assists. He then moved on to China and Australia, where he played professionally alongside his long time friend and former South Salem teammate Thalo Green.
Mike then earned his master’s degree in education and moved to Oklahoma—where he worked as an elementary PE teacher. He is excited to return to Oregon to coach the McNary girls program and to spend time with his daughters.
McNary Athletic Director Scott Gragg says McShane will provide his new team with a solid foundation in game fundamentals and character development. McShane will work at McNary as a PE and health instructor at the school.