The 14th Annual Arizona Preps Fall Showcase took place last weekend at the NEW Inspire Courts in Gilbert, Arizona last weekend and involved much of the state's top basketball talent for both boys and girls high school basketball in the state. Always a pre-celebration to the up-and-coming high school basketball season, this year's Fall Showcase did not disappoint, as there were many scouts and fans in attendance to get the 2012-2013 high school basketball season off to a great start.
With several guest speakers on the day speaking to the players, parents and spectators, no one provided more value to this year's participants than St. Mary's High School's 6-foot-1 nationally ranked junior guard/forward Courtney Ekmark.
A recent verbal commit to UCONN, the nation's top girl's college basketball program, Ekmark described her experiences as a college basketball recruit and what players should look for in a college program. Coming from a selfless and highly successful high school basketball program at St. Mary's, Ekmark eloquently told of her experiences as a college prospect.
Ekmark's tremendous ability to discuss with the participants her experiences, while showing off an amazing and developed ability as a public speaker were extremely impressive - showcasing why she is currently regarded by ESPN as one of the top 10 players in America in the 2014 class.
Ekmark had an excellent sophomore season under her father, St. Mary’s head coach Curtis Ekmark. The season was perfect for the Ekmark family and also the St. Mary’s basketball program, as the team finished with a perfect 30-0 season record – winning the state’s Division-I state championship for the second year in a row and also capping off a season where the Knights were the #1 ranked team in America.
The Knights would also win last season's national championship, while also winning the tournament championship in the top division of last year’s prestigious Nike Tournament of Champions.
Ekmark was selected as a member of our 2012 Arizona Preps All-Arizona Team after a superb sophomore season where she helped lead the ultra-talented Knights on the season, among the team leaders in scoring, assists and steals – even though the Knight’s program did not keep player statistics this season.
Ekmark was a major ingredient to last year’s undefeated, national and state champion St. Mary’s Knights. Her ability to stretch the defense consistently, her tenacity on the floor, as well as her unselfish approach to the game made the Knights absolutely unbeatable last high school season. As the youngest player on last year’s very dominant Knight’s team, Ekmark proved that she is well beyond her years as a player and as a person.
Look for Ekmark to continue to work hard and develop nicely over the next two years of high school, while keeping her Knights among the top teams in the country. I couldn't be more impressed with this young lady's development as a player and as a person. She will be successful in all facets of life.
