Meet Katie Bay
(posted 02-12-10)
Katie Bay (West #32) boxes out for a rebound against Coatesville.
(Game played 02-09-10)
Every once in a blue moon, we have spotlighted players from out-of-state who have been deserving of recognition. This past fall, we ran a profile on a great player from New Jersey that we ran into at a college showcase tournament. Now, we turn our attention to a great senior playing for 17 - 2 Downingtown West up in Pennsylvania, Katie Bay. Her story is not without a Delaware connection. Last spring and summer, she played AAU ball for Coach John Kulesza's Wilmington Tigers 16U team, an experience which included showcase tournament exposure in places like Virginia (twice), Penn State, and New York City. Most unfortunate for Katie was an incident in a Virginia tournament where she dislocated her kneecap. Up to that point, she had been a standout player on a team featuring top talents from Unionville & Garnet Valley High Schools in Pennsylvania, St. Thomas More in Kent County, along with more local representatives from schools like St. Mark's, Padua, and Wilmington Charter.
Her path back to the hardwoods would take some time. She rejoined the lineup in time for a couple late-season showcase tournaments - one at Penn State and another which was hosted at Villanova, St. Joe's and other locations. Though not performing at 100%, she still contributed to the team's fortunes.
Flash to the current scholastic season. By most indications, Katie is enjoying her finest high school season. Even better, her knee injury seems to be all but forgotten. Having scored a career high 18 points in a game earlier in the season, she followed that up with a very nice 16-point effort against Coatesville on February 9, 2010, which is where DGB.com caught up with her.
Katie Bay Fun Facts:
Played one year with Wilmington Tigers;
Also participates in track;
Sports inspirations are Coach Kulesza and her parents;
She is still uncommitted as to college next year.
Downingtown West Fun Facts:
Qualified for AAAA State Tournament (the highest competitive level) last two years;
Last season came in first in their league (Ches-Mont);
Won Perkiomen Valley Tournament this past December;
17 - 2 as this story was posted.
According to Coach Kulesza:
Katie joined the Wilmington Tigers last spring and was an immediate impact player. She played the 3, 4, & 5 positions for us. She led the team scoring and to a 10-4 record in 3 college showcase events (Boo Williams, Blue Chip - Penn State, Fairfax Stars Tournament). Katie is a great leader who brings a lot to the table She has a strong scoring mentality and is everything a coach would want in a player. She can shoot the 10- to 15-foot jumper with consistency … very versatile big player ... shows ability to pull her game outside and create mismatches for opponents... smart leader on the floor ... possesses some good post moves ... not afraid to be physical … Plays bigger than 5'10"... has the ability to draw fouls and get to the charity strip
With all this going for her, Katie looks to finish out her high school season strong. We wish her all the best!
