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WBB: Recruiting Roundup - 81alum - 06-28-2014

I did a fair bit of Google research and consolidated some of my other posts.  So in one convenient place here is what I have so far.  Keep in mind that I am no expert, unlike Bob and others who actually travel and watch a lot of high school players.  Most of this comes from news stories, other blogs, other boards, etc.  In the past we have learned that Tara is the kind of coach that winds up determining how others rate a player, rather than the kind that pursued players just because they have been rated highly by others, so this may be a fun exercise for fans but little more.

2015

Kyra Lambert.

A four day old article--looks like an old article with some new material--on Kyra Lambert.  The key part:
Quote:So what's in Lambert's future?  She is deciding on a college and has Stanford, Duke, Ohio State, South Carolina and Colorado as her finalists.
That sounds rather promising.
http://espn.go.com/espnw/news-commentary/article/10303117/kyra-lambert-excelling-junior-varsity-espnw
Edit: August 2 Kyra commits to Duke. 

Alexa Romano *commit*

Alexa has recently committed to Stanford, a couple of different boards and sites now say.    Alexa is a 5'9" point guard,  and averaged 21 points, 4 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals last year as a Junior.  She made 70 three point shots at 42%, 82% of her free throws, and 48% of her two point shots.  She seems not to have been noticed much by the big rating services--so one hopes that Tara has once again found a diamond that others have overlooked, like Lili.
http://www.maxpreps.com/news/nQ8lQuOreESNiJjt1e7rJg/la-cuevas-alexa-romano-looks-for-defining-moment-in-new-mexico.htm
http://www.nmnewsfeed.com/clovis/la-cuevas-alexa-romano-looks-for-defining-moment-in-new-mexico/

Katie McWilliams

McWilliams is 6'2" and has played all five positions for her club team--sounds like a perfect fit for the triangle.  Like McCall she is a coach's kid and knows the game backwards and forwards.  This last year she averaged 14 points, 7 rebounds, and  4 assists.  ProspectNation has her as No. 57 and lists her as a 6'1" wing.  It sounds to me like we would have an excellent chance provided she clears admissions, but if not then we will certainly wind up playing against her somewhere--likely UCLA.  She has a 3.89 gpa, so I imagine our chances are quite good.
http://archive.statesmanjournal.com/article/20140326/PREPSSPORTS/303260054/Taking-charge-South-Salem-s-Katie-McWilliams-learning-assert-herself-s-bad-news-her-competition
http://espn.go.com/espnw/news-commentary/article/10901338/hoopgurlz-katie-mcwilliams-long-line-oregon-stars-including-shoni-schimmel-mercedes-russell-jordan-reynolds-jaime-nared-kailee-johnson
Quote:UCLA, which just pulled in the No. 1 signing class in the nation for the Class of 2014, has offered her a scholarship, and McWilliams is planning to take an official visit there later this month.  In addition, McWilliams has taken unofficial visits to Stanford, Oregon State, Oregon, Washington State, Washington and Gonzaga. Also in the picture is Arizona State.  Schools such as Duke, Nebraska and Louisville are interested, too, but McWilliams said she is not strongly considering them. "I've always been a family person," she said. "So I don't think I want to go too far away.  "I grew up rooting for Oregon State, but I could see myself playing anywhere in the Pac-12.

Marta Sniezek *commit*
Marta was not on our radar screen but has a very impressive background.  A 5'7" point guard, she has been a prolific scorer for Washington Cathedral, averaging some 30 points a game and going over 40 against tough competition.  This year she has become prolific from three point range but has always driven the ball well, forcing other teams to go zone to try to stop her.  She discouraged recruitment from all but the most elite academic institutions, and it came down to Harvard vs. Stanford for her.

Nora Kiesler

Bob had his eye on Nora for some time but I did not want to share until I found something in the press, so here it is:
http://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/recruiting/2014/06/14/assumptions-nora-kiesler-likes-louisville-stanford/10533017/

Kiesler is a 6'6" post, the no. 10 post by ESPN, though she does not come in the top 100 players on ESPN or Prospect.  She has it down to Louisville or Stanford as the front runners, and the reports are that Stanford has offered her a scholarship, and that furthermore she has a 4.0 gpa. 

2016

The class of 2016 looks more promising than 2015, simply because in addition to Anna Wilson who has already committed, there are several top students in the top twenty.  Keep in mind, though, that even if we can judge basketball talent this early, they need to develop strong academic profiles--something very hard to judge after only four semesters.

Anna Wilson *commit*

A 5'7" guard, ESPN's no. 14.  Committed to us some time ago.  The sister of Russel Wilson.  Compelling story.
http://espn.go.com/espnw/athletes-life/article/9051105/anna-wilson-lives-family-legacy-espnw

Lauren Cox.

A 6'4" sophomore from Texas and ESPN's choice as no.  1.  We are recruiting her. 
Quote:Impact interior producer and the elite post player in 2016; accomplished finisher in the paint, utilizes either hand to complete the play; trails the break, extends the defense with range to the arc; superb talent who impacts at the next level. (Olson)
Interesting article here:
http://espn.go.com/espnw/news-commentary/article/9528792/hoopgurlz-women-basketball-prospect-lauren-cox-excels-team-usa-flower-mound-managing-diabetes
It would be nice to welcome another #1 recruit from Texas!  She will get lots of other attention, though.  Apparently her defense is amazing.

Erin Boley.

A 6'2" sophomore from Kentucky and ESPN no. 8, also seems to be in our sights,. 
Quote:Consistent faceup-4 performer extends the defense to the arc; handles and attacks in transition; versatile on both ends of the floor; continues to develop into one of the elite prospects in the 2016 class. (Olson)
Has had offers in hand from UConn and numerous others this season.  Apparently another outstanding student.
http://blogs.courier-journal.com/recruiting/2013/11/11/elizabethtown-2016-f-erin-boley-adds-offer-from-uconn/

Natalie Chou.

A 6'0" sophomore from Texas and ESPN 20, is reputed to be a good student too.  She and Cox just made the U17 team. 
Quote:Agile combo-guard brings smooth jumper, release point to mid range game; court awareness, savvy armed with a scorer's mentality. (Olson)
I have not specifically seen that we are recruiting her, but she is getting attention from nearly everyone. 
http://highschoolsportsblog.dallasnews.com/2014/05/area-standouts-natalie-chou-lauren-cox-and-joyner-holmes-make-usa-basketballs-u17-roster.html/

Jackie Young.

A 5'11" sophomore from Indiana and ESPN 21, was offered by Purdue in the 8th grade. 
Quote: Strong, athletic and versatile combo-guard brings college-ready frame to the back court; physical off the bounce, finishes vs. contact; elevates in mid range game; developing range to the arc; mismatch producer with court awareness. (Olson)
She reportedly is a good student, but I have not heard whether we are recruiting her or not.
http://php.jconline.com/blogs/mike/purdue-womens-basketball-recruiting-jackie-young/

Sabrina Ionescu

A 5'11" guard from Walnut Creek, has achieved national recognition by racking up many honors.  She made the U16 team and just last month made the U17 team--she was first alternate and was called when another player became ill.  She is known for three point shooting and terrific defense.  Stanford is one of two dozen colleges expressing interest, including UConn.
http://www.sportstarsonline.com/Ionescu/Got-Next




Re: WBB: Recruiting Roundup - zedcom - 06-29-2014

Very nice summary!! Thanks for all your hard work in compiling this!

Re: WBB: Recruiting Roundup - TheFarm07 - 06-29-2014

Agreed!  Thank you for making this list and pointing out the recruits that are not only interested, but have the grades to get in.  With our admissions standards, we only have a handful of players to choose from every year.

Re: WBB: Recruiting Roundup - Jskass - 06-29-2014

Yes and the good housekeeping seal of approval: Cox and Boley at the very least are being pursued by UConn. Let's hope they qualify and choose us bcs of an appreciation for academics, plus more playing time rather than as a sub behind UConn's incoming 2015 class!

Re: WBB: Recruiting Roundup - BobK - 06-29-2014

3 more with Stanford interest:

DiJonai Carrington, 5-11 Wing Horizon HS CA.  State Frosh of the Year tore her ACL last August and missed this past season.  # 35 PN  Travel Team:  Cal_Sparks

Celeste West 6-3 Post Bakersfield CA, # 24 PN  Travel Team: Cal_Sparks

Kat Tudor, 5-10 G CA    #  54 PN  Travel Team:  Cal_Stars Elite

Re: WBB: Recruiting Roundup - 81alum - 06-30-2014

(06-29-2014, 11:26 AM)TheFarm07 link Wrote:Agreed!  Thank you for making this list and pointing out the recruits that are not only interested, but have the grades to get in.  With our admissions standards, we only have a handful of players to choose from every year.
Keep in mind that all I have is that someone, somewhere, in some story, blog or board said that so-and-so "was a good student," and of course what someone thinks they know and whether "good" is actually "Stanford ready" is unknown.  In a couple of cases there was a gpa reported--but even there it might have been before spring grades for the sophomore year were in.  Things like grades are private matters to students, unless they choose to say something public about them.  Their basketball performances on the other hand are public.  In any case, the information that these kids are all great at basketball is without doubt, but their academic profiles is in some cases pretty speculative.  Even so, it can't hurt to be watching these kids very closely.



Re: WBB: Recruiting Roundup - BobK - 06-30-2014

One place to look at grades is reading the profiles of Gatorade POY in each sport.  They are selected on athletes and academics.  Boley is an outstanding student, Gatorade POY in Kentucky as a soph.

So agree on good grades, which could be 3.0 or better.  And yes I think that's good.    :)



Re: WBB: Recruiting Roundup - 81alum - 06-30-2014

(06-30-2014, 10:53 AM)BobK link Wrote:One place to look at grades is reading the profiles of Gatorade POY in each sport.  They are selected on athletes and academics.  Boley is an outstanding student, Gatorade POY in Kentucky as a soph.

So agree on good grades, which could be 3.0 or better.  And yes I think that's good.    :)
What a great tip, Bob!  So Kaylee Johnson has a 4.0, Taylor Rooks has a 4.2, and Brittany McPhee has a 4.0  State players of the year in Wyoming, New Jersey, and Washington State, and none of them ever earned anything as low as an A-.  Not bad, not bad at all.  There is something awe inspiring about this year's entering class when you think about three perfect students, each also being the very best basketball player in her home state.

Re: WBB: Recruiting Roundup - 81alum - 07-05-2014

The Kentucky boards say that Erin Boley is down to Louisville, Kentucky,  Connecticut, Notre Dame, Stanford, Tennessee and Vanderbilt.  Of course, she is just a sophomore, but it is nice to be on her list.

Re: WBB: Recruiting Roundup - 81alum - 07-05-2014

This article about Natalie Chou just released.  It is a very flattering look at a talented and very disciplined, hard working kid.
http://espn.go.com/espnw/news-commentary/article/11171844/hoopgurlz-hungry-natalie-chou-representing-team-usa-fiba-u17-world-championships
Although Natalie is just finishing her sophomore year, she was one of 12 to make the U17 team and is playing alongside KLS.  Her mother Quanli played professional basketball in China for a decade.  According to the article
Quote:Academically, she is doing very well -- all A's and B's as a rising junior at Plano West (Plano, Texas).
and as for her choice of schools,
Quote:She said the factors she will consider most when choosing a college will be "education, location, the coaches and the players."

By the way, Natalie and team USA just beat Mexico 91-35 to make it to the quarterfinals against Canada.  KLS has been the leading scorer, but fellow incoming junior Lauren Cox has been the team's leading rebounder.

Re: WBB: Recruiting Roundup - 81alum - 07-05-2014

Thought it would be useful to review the UConn situation for the 2016 recruits.  They will have as many as five scholarships unless they recruit more than expected in 2015.  The players that their own media report they are recruiting are:

Lauren Cox, mentioned above
Natalie Chou, mentioned above
Erin Boley, mentioned above
Jackie Young ESPN 21, a 5'22 11" guard, mentioned above


Tori McCoy, ESPN 5, a 6'4" forward
Nancy Mulkey, a 6'9" (not a typo, and she is still growing) center out of Texas.
Crystal Dangerfield, the top point guard of 2016.
Sabrina Ionescu, the top combo guard of 2016.  Sabrina is a 5'11" guard from Walnut Creek who made the U16 team.  I presume we are checking her out carefully.  I cannot find anything about her academic or college preferences, other than a checklist that indicates that Stanford is one of 22 teams (including virtually the entire Pac12) that have expressed interest.

Quote:The offer list is lengthy for Ionescu, but includes Maryland, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Florida, Ohio State, Arkansas, Purdue, Oregon, UCONN, Duke, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisville, Cal, Stanford, Washington, Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, UCLA, USC and Oregon State. However, she plans to be patient with her decision, she said.

UConn and Stanford look to be going head to head even more than usual for the 2016 class.  UConn won't win all the decisions--KLS was something of an exception to the rule that women who get in to Stanford usually choose us over them.  Furthermore, UConn simply will not have enough scholarships for all the players they reputedly are courting in 2016.  Other schools will be involved, but I am optimistic that at least a couple of these outstanding girls will be coming to Stanford to join Anna Wilson.

Re: WBB: Recruiting Roundup - CornFed - 07-05-2014

It seems to me someone like Jackie Brown who has the athleticism to be listed at guard and is 5' 22" tall is someone we should make an EXTRA effort to land.

Re: WBB: Recruiting Roundup - CompSci87 - 07-05-2014

(07-05-2014, 09:05 PM)CornFed link Wrote:It seems to me someone like Jackie Brown who has the athleticism to be listed at guard and is 5' 22" tall is someone we should make an EXTRA effort to land.

5'22" is certainly EXTRA tall.

Re: WBB: Recruiting Roundup - scorecard - 07-05-2014

(07-05-2014, 09:05 PM)CornFed link Wrote:It seems to me someone like Jackie Brown who has the athleticism to be listed at guard and is 5' 22" tall is someone we should make an EXTRA effort to land.

The pot calling the kettle ... brown?

Re: WBB: Recruiting Roundup - 81alum - 07-06-2014

(07-05-2014, 09:05 PM)CornFed link Wrote:It seems to me someone like Jackie Brown who has the athleticism to be listed at guard and is 5' 22" tall is someone we should make an EXTRA effort to land.
And here is a very scary thought.  My 5'22" typo would make her only 1 inch taller than the still growing Nancy Mulkey.

Re: WBB: Recruiting Roundup - CornFed - 07-06-2014

Indeed.  They grow 'em large in that part of the country apparently.

Re: WBB: Recruiting Roundup - 81alum - 07-06-2014

Many of the girls that we are recruiting just played in the U17 gold medal game and pulled out a narrow US victory over Spain.  It was on ESPNU, and so I presume it will be available on ESPN's online replay to watch for any who are interested.  It showed me that the US cannot simply be counted on to role over every other team.  Spain is very, very good.

Lauren Cox was amazing.  As a high school junior she looked to me like the second coming of Jayne Appel.  Katie Lou did not look that sharp this game, although she has earlier in the tournament.  Anna Wilson and Sabrina Ionescu played sparingly but generally acquitted themselves well.  Ionescu hit a magnificent trey from the corner but got her pocket picked a bit later.  Anna ran point for a few minutes competently.  I did not see if Chou got into the game.  Ogunbowale played quite a bit and scored 15.  Asia Durr was a star with 19.  Naturally, the New Haven press reported that "UConn targets" Cox, Ogunbowale, and Durr lead the team.

It was nice to see Anna Wilson play for the first time--if only for 3 minutes.  I will look forward to seeing a lot more of her in a couple of years when she becomes a freshman on a Stanford team headed up by seniors Lili, Karlie, Erica, and Kailee and Briana.  I did not learn anything about Chou, but Ionescu played 6 and did show a very sweet three point stroke.  But Cox--was a revelation, with 20 points, 12 rebounds, great moves from the high to the low post, and 8 blocks!

However, the very best player in the game--by far--played for Spain.  Angela Salvadores scored 40 points!  No one could guard her.  She was 5/7 from three and had a shifty move that also allowed her to cut to the basket, and she made two point stop-and-pops as well.  Everything worked for her.  She also stole the ball 4 times.  I wonder how her English is, and whether she has ever thought about studying in the United States for college?

Re: WBB: Recruiting Roundup - Jskass - 07-06-2014

Is Angela Salvadores of Spain a good student? She was the U17 MVP today.

Re: WBB: Recruiting Roundup - 81alum - 07-06-2014

Angela Salvadores is getting a lot of attention after today's performance.  If you read Spanish I am sure you can get a lot more information on her, but this is the only article in English with any substance I found:
http://www.noodls.com/view/EE07D9CB83905296669BF0A11DA13B4C245C973B?5224xxx1399482459
She has a black belt in karate, and comes from a basketball family.    It is very hard to tell what kind of student she might be. 
Quote:Most recently, Salvadores has been playing in the second tier of Spanish basketball with Segle XXI, where she recently completed the second season of her education at the adult level.
I don't know the Spanish system well enough to interpret what this means.  The European scholarship athletes I get in classes have usually been better prepared academically than their American counterparts.  Many of them write better English than my California students.  But that does not necessarily give insight into an individual.  I am sure we will start hearing more about her.

I did check out this site:
http://www.usbasket.com/Foreign-Players-in-America.asp?Country=ESP&women=1
to find out how common it is for Spanish players to play for US colleges.  It looked like a couple of dozen do so, although it lists pros as well as college players, and the accuracy is a bit questionable considering it claims Nicole Powell as Spanish.  I thought she was from Arizona originally.  In any case, there are 90 from Australia, 125 from Canada, and then Sweden, Spain, UK, Germany, France and Nigeria all have about two dozen, so I guess Spain is represented about as well as any European country.

Re: WBB: Recruiting Roundup - ca245 - 07-06-2014

Isn't Leticia Romero, who was involved in the recent dispute with Kansas State about a release from her scholarship to enable her to transfer, from Spain?