Jared Cohen
Arguably the best college prospect for any sport in Arizona could be seen out at St. Mary’s high school. Junior guard Courtney Ekmark is the leading scorer for the defending state and national champion Lady Knights basketball team and is committed to play for coach Geno Auriemma and the women’s basketball powerhouse, the UConn Huskies after high school.
“I am really excited to play at UConn,” said Ekmark. “For the tradition that they have and just to play with all the great players and great coaches and in front of the fans it’s going to be so much fun. I ecstatic.”
Ekmark is as skilled as they come in the high school game with the ability to play at a high level in all facets of the game. Some who have watched her play have said when they watch her play, it is like watching Larry Bird with her height and how complete of a game she has.
But what really separates her is her ability to shoot from long-range. By long-range, it means she can spot of from a NBA distance three pointer and drill the shot. Is there even a limit to her range?
“No. No there’s not,” Ekmark stated. “I have been practicing my shot for a while and I actually didn’t start shooting three’s until I was older because I wasn’t strong enough. But once I got strong enough to shoot three’s, I made thousands of them.”
UConn is in her sights but she still has a lot of playing left in high school before she gets there. Her and her Knights teammates are once again the team to beat in Arizona and are eyeing another state title. And she still has another year of high school after that. Despite having such a complete game already, there is still plenty she is looking to improve upon.
“Improving my overall game,” explained Ekmark. “Physically, mentally, defense, offense, making sure I’m a consistent offensive player and defensive player and getting rebounds.”
