A pair of Spring Lake Park varsity athletes earned recognition for recent scoring feats. Hockey player Creighton McMahon enjoyed consecutive big nights at the rink while basketball player Jenna Murphy reached a career milestone.

McMahon, a sophomore forward, dominated games twice earlier in January. He contributed two goals, including the game-winner, and one assist in a 6-4 victory at Chaska.

Two nights later he had four goals, including the game-winner, in a 9-2 rout of Irondale. McMahon tallied a hat trick in the first period.

Murphy, a 5-11 senior forward, set the program's mark for career scoring. Ashlie Traynor (now Anzel, the North St. Paul head coach) held the record of 1,301 points when she graduated in 2004.

Murphy eclipsed it during the Panthers' Jan. 10 loss at Irondale. Officials stopped the game and classmates held a celebratory banner in the bleachers.

Murphy received the game ball and further recognition at the Panthers' next home game Jan. 12.

She averages more than 15 points per game this season. Murphy rediscovered her scoring prowess after missing the first five games because of an injury.

National recognition

The North metro was well-represented on the shortlist of Minnesotans nominated for the McDonald's All-America games. The boys nominees included Brad Davison of Maple Grove and Champlin Park teammates Theo John and McKinley Wright.

On the girls' side, Mikayla Hayes of Park Center was one of six nominees.

None made the final roster for the March 29 game at Chicago's United Center.

David La Vaque