Prospect Spotlight: Mallory Sheltey (2020)
After a strong offseason with Team Blackout , Columbia College recruit Mallory Shetley is gearing up for a big senior season for Sullivan. A versatile 6-footer, Shetley takes pride in being able to play any position and bring to her…
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Continue ReadingAfter a strong offseason with Team Blackout , Columbia College recruit Mallory Shetley is gearing up for a big senior season for Sullivan.
A versatile 6-footer, Shetley takes pride in being able to play any position and bring to her team whatever is needed in the moment. She can bring the ball up the floor, score in the paint and is a hard worker who takes pride in being an example on the floor and off.
“I am very passionate and do whatever it takes to help my team succeed,” she says.
Shetley played with her older sister Clare Shetley and Bria Jones, who are both currently playing at Columbia College, and helped Sullivan go 17-8 last season. She averaged 17 points, six rebounds and just under three blocks per game as a junior.
Tell us about your high school season last year. How did things end, how do you feel you did, throw some numbers in there if you know them, PPG, etc.
“I feel that I had a good season, but I could have done many things better,” she said. “We ended the season on a close district loss to Owensville 38-39. We didn’t show up ready to play and they did. It made us learn what we need to work on and fuel the team for this season.”
After putting together a strong offseason running with Team Blackout , Shetley says the experience of playing with the grassroots program the past seven years has helped her expand her game.
“My experience from summer ball with Blackout has helped me tremendously,” she said. “My coach Andy Cheesman always focused on the fundamentals and getting better every practice. This past year my coaches for Blackout changed to my dad, Blaine, and Kevin Williams, but the expectations didn’t change.
“We always work on fundamentals and learning from every experience. We play tough competition that pushes me to be mentally tough and play hard all the time.”
Expectations at Sullivan are high this upcoming season as the program returns four starters from last year’s squad.
“I expect us to make a good run for a District Championship and to go even further,” Shetley said. “All games are big games but I am especially looking forward to our matchups against conference rivals St. Clair and Owensville. St. Clair is always a good team and very competitive and is a huge rival. Owensville was who ended our season last year and I am looking forward to another chance to play them.”
Shetley says the biggest influence on her basketball career to date has been her dad.
“He pushed me from the beginning. We set goals together and hold each other accountable, setting new goals as each is achieved,” she said. “He tells me after games what I need to work on to take my game to the next level. He makes sure that I am never satisfied with where I am, always looking for ways to improve. He talks to me about the mental part of the game and how training your mind is very important.
“Being mentally tough can give you the upper hand on an opponent. He takes time out of his busy work schedule to work with me to make me the best I can be. He makes sure to be at as many games as he can, no matter how busy he gets. He has been my coach for two summers for summer ball. He is picky about my game but always makes sure I know that he is proud of me.”
A fan of Orgeon’s Sabrina Ionescu, Shetley says she appreciates her hard work and motor on the floor.
“She is an extremely hard worker who gives her all no matter what,” Shetley said. “Standing at just 5’11 she does it all. She has the all-time NCAA triple double record and still has her senior year left. She looks to score, looks to get her team involved, and hustles to get rebounds. I try to implement her work ethic into my game. Also I try to look for my teammates and hustle for every ball like she does.” Shetley recently signed to continue her basketball career at Columbia College.
“Columbia stuck out to me immediately,” she says. “I had gone on some other visits but Columbia had everything I wanted. They have an outstanding coaching staff, great team atmosphere and chemistry. I felt like part of the family very quickly. I hope to bring my work ethic and passion for the game to the team. They are a high level basketball team looking to win a national title, I would like to help make that happen. I am excited to be there next season!”