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Recruiting Colorado

Posted November 8, 2007

Alyssa Fressle’s commitment to CU could be a landmark shift for Kathy McConnell-Miller in her attempts to keep the best players in this state.

Fressle, rated the 76th best prep player nationwide in the 2008 class by Hoopgurlz, could have a big impact on the court when she arrives from Highlands Ranch.

But her biggest impact could be on CU’s in-state recruiting.

McConnell-Miller faced an uphill battle for in-state recruiting when she came here in the spring of 2005.

The top players have been told since the day they began playing AAU basketball that they would go out-of-state when it came time to pick a college. This was due to differences between a deceased AAU coach who ran the top program in the state and CU. At one time, Fressle played for that AAU coach.

So McConnell-Miller’s job in recruiting in-state is to overcome that way of thinking.

Fressle’s decision to come to CU could signal a shift to the next generation of players that times have changed.

And it’s never been more important than now. The junior class in this state is regarded as one of the strongest ever.

Just about every college coach and their dog has been visiting Broomfield High School this school year to see juniors Anna Prins (a center) and Chaundra Sewell (a forward).

The Buffs will also likely go after twin sisters Meagan and Brenna Malcolm-Peck, who hail from Boulder but who will play for Horizon this season after playing for ThunderRidge last year.

Regis point guard Mariah Williams has long been on CU’s list. Williams is currently rated No. 60 in the country by Hoopgurlz. Williams’ teammate, 6-foot-3 forward Diana Rolniak, is also a top in-state recruit. The list could go on.

Given the depth in next year’s in-state recruiting class, and CU’s push to retain the best this state has to offer, I’d expect CU to use only two of its three scholarships this year, saving one (Candace Rucker’s scholarship) for next year.

(Look for the Buffs to search internationally to find a forward among the 2008 recruits to replace senior Jackie McFarland.)

There are five juniors on CU’s roster this year— only four are on scholarship — so that would give the Buffs five scholarships for the 2009 recruiting class.

The questions are: Will the top in-state players follow in Fressle’s footsteps and, if so, will five scholarships be enough?