Norwin grads looking forward to sibling rivalry on college court

Magen and Mara Polczynski have Jan. 19 and Feb. 16 circled on their calendars. They have for a while now.

Those are the days when the Westminster and Grove City women’s basketball teams will meet in Presidents’ Athletic Conference games.

The teams are traditional rivals that don’t need much motivation to play one another. But a sibling rivalry takes things up a notch.

The sisters from Norwin will be on opposing teams.

Magen is a senior guard at Westminster, while Mara is a freshman guard for Grove City.

The girls have made an impact so far this season. Both starters, they were leading their teams in assists and steals.

Through three games, Magen was third on the Titans (2-1) in scoring at 10.3 points and was averaging 4.0 rebounds in a team-high 31.7 minutes.

Mara was leading Grove City (3-1) with 18 assists and 15 steals and has matching averages for scoring and rebounds (4.5).

“Grove City is always a tough matchup for us,” Magen Polczynski said. “I expect a hard-fought game that is going to rely on a team that is prepared, focused and hardworking. I am excited to see the people from my hometown in the stands, especially my mom and dad. They say that they aren’t picking sides, but I know they are secretly cheering for me.”

A former four-sport athlete at Norwin (track, field hockey, lacrosse), Magen expected her sister to have a fast impact at the college level.

“Honestly, I am not surprised that Moe is doing so well as a freshman,” she said. “She is one of the hardest workers I have ever met. She will always be the first one in the gym and the last one out. Her love for her teammates and passion for basketball has carried her far. I am so proud for how far she has come and can’t wait to see how she impacts her school, not only on the court but in the classroom and around campus as well.

“I am so blessed to call her my sister and best friend.”

Mara had made seven starts and was averaging 22.1 minutes per game.

“I’m definitely looking forward to seeing Magen on the court,” she said. “It was fun sharing the court with her in high school for one year, and although we will be in different colors, it will still be a really cool and unique opportunity for us.”

Mara said Magen reached out to Grove City about scheduling senior night for Feb. 16 when Westminster comes to town.

Magen is Westminster’s only senior player.

“Which is really special,” Mara said. “I look up to Magen in many different areas but especially in her walk of faith. I’m lucky enough to go to a school with strong Christian culture, whereas Magen definitely is challenged a lot more. And yet, she continues to grow in her Christianity, be a light to others and teach me about our faith.”

The Polczynskis were not known for their height at Norwin, but what they lacked in height they made up for in intensity and aggressive nature.

Standing on each other’s shoulders, they might get net. Mara is 5-foot-6 and Magen 5-5. But they both were among their team’s rebounding leaders, Magen at 4.4 a game and Mara at 4.3.