When you look up the definition of scoring there should be a picture of Caelyn Valandra-Prue! She can put them up with the best of them. Averaged nearly 20 points last year, as a freshmen, Valandra-Prue is looking to crack…
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When you look up the definition of scoring there should be a picture of Caelyn Valandra-Prue! She can put them up with the best of them. Averaged nearly 20 points last year, as a freshmen, Valandra-Prue is looking to crack that 1,000 point milestone. She transferred Todd County, SD to White River, SD this school year which may add a bump in some achievements along the way. “Its gonna be different, you know. New teammates, new coach, new school, different locker room etc etc.”
Caelyn is remaining focused and has a checklist of things to accomplish this year. “Last year at Todd County we lost to Aberdeen Roncalli in regionals.” “Hopefully, this year I can help improve my new schools chances at making it to state.” Along with settling into a new school and everything that comes with that, Valandra-Prue is focusing on academics.
“I didn’t play too much AAU basketball this summer because I took a trip to New Hampshire for a college retreat.” Said Caelyn. You see, that’s what’s perfect about student-athletes. A player that is willing to give up most of their summer, go across the country and get a jump start on their college experience is worth praise. Caeyln is not looking for it though. “ I went there mostly to get a feel for college and what it has to offer.” That is a very mature decision given the state of some athletes these days. She also mentioned it is really hard to get into that school since only about 11% of the applicants get accepted. It adds an Ivy League type of curriculum and environment. Therefore, it was one of those once in a lifetime experience.
Photo Courtesy of Kernit Grimshaw
“Because of the summer program I didn’t play much AAU ball, but I got to practice with Sacred Hoops for the times I was in town.” Caelyn said.
When she wasn’t practicing with Sacred Hoops you could find her in the gym with her dad. “He played ball which inspired me to start playing around the 2nd grade.” Her dad would throw on some “Old” 50 cent, lace up the kicks and teach his daughter the moves she uses today.
Working on her ball handling is what Caelyn said she did a lot over the summer. She will be called to run the point this year at White River. All those balling handling drills will be put to use. Imagine a nature born scorer, then add the distribution effect and sprinkle in some toughness. I’d say those 19 ppg from last year may go to 24 ppg even 27 ppg along with a few extra dimes.