2020 Stock Riser Player Profile: Kourtland Tyus
photo courtesy of Dan Cruz Kourtland Tyus a 5’7 2020 point guard for Civic Memorial High school has been a big part of the program since her first day in high school. Kourtland averaged 10.8 point per game and led…
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Continue Readingphoto courtesy of Dan Cruz
Kourtland Tyus a 5’7 2020 point guard for Civic Memorial High school has been a big part of the program since her first day in high school. Kourtland averaged 10.8 point per game and led the teams in steals and assists.She has always been a prototypical point guard that has contributed on the varsity level. Each year her role has expanded and she is ready to finish her career on a high note.
Kourtland spent her last AAU season playing with the Missouri Phenom. She felt like there was definitely a lot of exposure as the team played in large tournaments in Virginia and Texas just to name two. It was a challenge as the team only practiced once per week so chemistry had to be developed on the fly. Kourtland felt like her shot was on and she played great on the ball defense. As a point guard who has always handled the ball well, these are two areas that were great for her to show improvement.
June was a really good month for Kourtland. She really enjoys the time playing with the high school team. Kourtland enjoys the schedule they play. This year that included a trip to Rolla, Salem, UMSL and hosting their own event at CM. The Lady Eagles always end their summer with a trip.This year that included a stop at Murray St on the way to North Carolina. Those two team camps along with some built in time at Myrtle Beach are great for the team to bond. Kourtland really worked on driving to the basket during the June session to compliment her improved outside shot.
Kourtland will leave CM having played the point guard role with 3 of the best scorers in school history. Because of this her role has changed over the years. She has gone from a distributor to a player depended on to score. Over the years the progression in her offensive game has been clear. Her outside shot has really improved. She has improved her ability to penetrate. Now, she is really working to hit the shots on the move and pull up for the jumper. Kourtland is not afraid of work and will put in the time to get better.
One theme comes up over and over when you talk to Kourtland about basketball. She loves her team and the involvement and excitement of the community. Kourtland knows and embraces that young girls in Bethalto look up to her. She loves that feeling and accepts the accountability of being the role model. Kourtland spends countless hours in the gym and working out in the weight room or at Pride fitness. She leads by example showing everyone what it takes to be the best. As a captain since her sophomore year Kourtland has taken pride in being a leader of the team.
Kourtland is very excited for her senior year. The girls all work very hard and play for each other. The program has been able to hang their hat on being an excellent defensive team. They work hard on defense and take pride in getting steals and shutting teams down.The depth is an advantage this year as two knee injuries to key players last year forced other girls to gain experience. The next major hurdle for the program and the town of supporters is a trip to state. Nothing would make Kourtland more proud than to be a part of meeting that goal.
Kourtland has earned the respect of college coaches through her skills and hard work. She currently holds offers from 4 year schools, McKendree and Columbia College. She has been able to get to know the staff and players at both schools over the past few years and feels very blessed by these opportunities. Kourtland has also been pursued by JC schools around Illinois. As more schools see her improved game I am sure these are not her last offers. Kourtland will evaluate her options and especially the feeling she gets about the relationships. She is looking to see where she will feel she has the best relationship with the coaching staff and the team before making a decision.
Kourtland has proven over the years to be a very good player and an even better person. She sets an example every day of the dedication and desire it takes to play at a high level. If you watch closely you will see her putting in the work early in the morning and late at night. She wants to be better. She has earned every opportunity she gets. Now, she sets out to reach the team goals in her last year at CM and I look forward to watching.