Prospect Spotlight: Caitlin Clark (2020)
Dowling Catholic junior Caitlin Clark grabbed statewide headlines with a jaw-dropping 60-point performance on Monday night in a win against Mason City and Iowa-bound guard Megan Meyer. Clark’s 60 points was nearly a state record, and her 13 3-pointers (on…
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Continue ReadingDowling Catholic junior Caitlin Clark grabbed statewide headlines with a jaw-dropping 60-point performance on Monday night in a win against Mason City and Iowa-bound guard Megan Meyer. Clark’s 60 points was nearly a state record, and her 13 3-pointers (on just 17 attempts, good for a ridiculous 76 percent) did set a single-game mark for the state. Clark leads the state in scoring and, after her big performance, is now 5A’s leader in 3-point makes.
Unsurprisingly, Clark — Iowa’s top 2020 recruit and among the country’s most elite — is on the wish list of major Division I schools across the country. She’s drawn attention from colleges since before her freshman year, and has garnered offers from just about every college in the country. UConn is the only notable exception.
A 5-foot-11 scoring point guard, Clark has put together some incredible efforts this season. She’s averaging 31.9 points per game, and in addition to her 60-point performance, has also had 46-point and 47-point nights.
Clark’s handle is terrific, and her ability to shoot off-the-dribble has been her bread-and-butter. At the rim, she can be unstoppable, too.
“Most defenders she plays against, she could get a shot off anytime, especially with her stepback and how long she is, if you’re not at least 5-10, 5-11, she’s gonna shoot over you,” Dowling Catholic coach Kristin Meyer said.
This season, Clark has worked to become an even more dangerous scorer and is doing plenty of it. She’s averaging 26.5 shot attempts per game.
“Getting to the basket has probably been one of the biggest things that we try to work on, and I think I’ve shot more free throws this year. And being able to do some more stuff to my left and finishing with my left hand,” Clark said. “And trying to be a better leader, and more positive, and control my emotions more.”
Meyer also pointed out that she’s seen improvement in Clark’s defense. She’s always been skilled offensively, but recently, she’s made strides on the other end of the floor.
“The crowd will oh and ah about a made shot, but she’s starting to take more pride in her defense,” Meyer said.
Clark said she’s considering some of the top colleges nationally, such as Notre Dame, Oregon, Oregon State and Texas — which are all currently ranked in the AP top 15 — and also local schools Iowa State, Iowa and Drake. She tentatively plans to make her college decision after her final AAU season with the All Iowa Attack ends this summer and before her senior high school season begins.
“Wherever she ends up choosing to go, I know will be a lucky school, and it will be a good fit for her,” Meyer said.