Prospect Spotlight: Gracie Stugart (2021)
One of the St. Louis area’s top rising point guards, Francis Howell Central 2021 Gracie Stugart is making a name for herself this season. At 5’6, Stugart takes pride in being a true point guard. She can run a team,…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingOne of the St. Louis area’s top rising point guards, Francis Howell Central 2021 Gracie Stugart is making a name for herself this season.
At 5’6, Stugart takes pride in being a true point guard. She can run a team, likes to push the ball and run and looks for opportunities in transition. She is at her best driving to the basket, but can knock down open 3-pointers when open. Stugart is averaging eight points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game.
“I like to attack and kick out to shooters as well and on defense I have quick feet that help me contain the ball and get lots of steals,” she said.
A year ago, Stugart was a part of a team that put together a 22-5 record before falling in a heartbreaker in the district championship game. This year, the team is off to an 18-2 start and are currently ranked No. 5 in Missouri Class 5.
“Last year we had a very solid team with a lot of skilled players,” Stugart said. “I feel like I did really well. I handled the ball almost the whole game and handled it under pressure. I made great passes to teammates out by the three of under the rim.
“My mentality for this season is to take it game by game and every game go 1-0. Not over look or think any game. My expectations is not for perfection but for hard work and effort every game. Hustling, controlling the controllables, attitude and effort. I also expect the best out of my team and I every game.”
Stugart spent last offseason playing for Blue Star St. Louis and says the experience has helped her game grow.
“I have the best teammates and coach who love the game as much as I do,” she said. “This has helped me out a lot because we all play as a team and we really know the game and how to work together and get things done.”
Stugart says her dad, Jed Stugart, who is the Lindenwood football head coach, has had the biggest impact on her basketball career to date.
“He coaches me and pushes me harder than anyone I know,” she says. “He’s my biggest supporter on and off the court. He picks out things in games I need to work on and works with me until I get them right.
“Another great influence is my coach Hayley Leake. Ever since I came into this program she has been there for me, believing in me every step of the way. She coaches me and expects the best out of me every game but encourages me as well. She’s made a huge impact in my basketball career too.”
A fan of basketball at all levels, Stugart says she takes various elements of the things she sees and works hard to make them a part of her own game.
“I enjoy watching all the NBA, WNBA, college, etc. point guards,” Stugart said. “I learn a lot from them and try and implement some of their moves into my own game. I don’t have a specific player though.”
Stugart has drawn interest from several college basketball programs, including Colorado Christian, Augustana (SD), Lindenwood, Missouri Baptist and others. She has taken unofficial college visits to Eastern Illinois and Northern Colorado.
“I am generally keeping my options open as well,” she said.