With the CYO Basketball Tournament in the rear-view mirror and a much-needed vacation under my belt, I want to circle back and make some BLOG notes about what I observed in the CYO tournament games in the Greater Portland area this year.

The Caitlin Clark Effect is thriving.  Having recently broken the NCAA scoring record for both men and women this season, and for four years’ worth of outstanding college play, Caitlin is the most popular sports figure in America at the present.  Caitlin is inspiring young girls AND boys in the sport of basketball. 

I asked several young CYO players if they had heard of Caitlin Clark, and they all answered with a resounding “yes”.  The number 22 has taken on as much or more popularity than 23 (Michael Jordan’s number).

I am a Caitlin Clark fan as well.  I am pulling for her team to win the National Women’s NCAA Basketball title (now that my alma mater OSU has been eliminated GO BEAV’S).  I have done a deep dive on YOUTUBE watching Caitlin Clark’s games and they are truly amazing.  I have studied her style, the long shots, her ability to penetrate in the paint, her all around game.  She has a remarkable ability to read the floor and know where her teammates are or will be and get the ball to them for scores.  She is truly a generational player.

Our children are emulating her game.  Because I have studied Caitlin’s game so closely, I can see that our kids are watching her and copying her style. I smile to myself and am grateful for a first class, exciting, wholesome, exceedingly talented person for kids to look up to.  God bless you, Caitlin Clark!  

#Caitlin Clark