What College Coaches Saw: Notes From BCAT (Monday June 17th Ed.)

When [player_tooltip player_id='1230945' first='Katie' last='Foster'] is on the floor, you know. Her size is simply different, and the number of shots she simply changes, completely deters, or blocks makes her a kid that should be on college radars. She still needs to work on her athleticism, but her motor is good, and vs Lebanon she played hard every possession I watched. Offensively, Bearden has enough scorers that she doesn't need to worry much on that end, but I know she's working hard on her offensive game (via Coach Jerry Williams).     From everything I've studied, one of the stats that translate best from HS to college is rebounding. If you're a high level rebounder in high school, it's a great predictor that you can/will be a high level rebounder in college. Scoring for example....doesn't always translate.   Theola Mills is a GREAT rebounder. On the flight of the ball, you can see her doing that geometry figuring out where the ball will land on a miss (this is a skill that's almost impossible to teach). She's just always in the right place at the right time.   She's an extremely strong, old school player that isn't afraid to do the dirty work, throw her body around, and do whatever it takes to win. I really have liked her work for BMaze this spring a well. Great to see it translate to summer.     The senior is a perfect fit for this Lebanon team. She's a tough enforcer, strong, and backs down from nobody. On a team with with talented role, its obvious she's embraced her role as a rebounding forward/wing that plays high level defense. Vs Bearden, her motor never let up, and she team first attitude was infectious. She was active on both sides of the floor, and certainly the type of kid that makes any team better. And I just loved her spirit for the game--from what I watched she definitely led Lebanon in high-fives and number of times picking up teammates. To the casual observer that might not seem like much, but ask her coach and teammates and you'll realize what a valuable skill that is. She's a star in her role.     In a really good Oak Ridge vs Wayne County game, Porter showed off DEEP range. The reigning District MVP is beginning to have "walk in the gym range" and her teammates do a great job finding her. Porter did a great job moving without the ball, and does her work early by staying "shot ready" with her hands and feet. Super quick trigger. She's locked in and ready for a huge season.     Oak Ridge vs Wayne County was the first time I've really been able to study her game, but I liked the potential. She's still getting accustomed to high level HS game speed, but she has all the tools to be an effective player. Her 6'3 size is totally a game changer. She moves with fluid athleticism, especially considering her size. She has a nice motor, is active on D, and on the glass. And her teammates were constantly looking for her in the paint, which tells me she's earned respect in practice. I really like her potential for the upcoming season.