By Ian Smith, CycloneFanatic.com Contributor
Even in the heart of Texas, Bill Fennelly pulls some weight.
Stacey Malone – one of Iowa State’s top targets in its 2012 recruiting efforts – was quick to point toward the veteran head coach as one of the main reasons she’s considering committing to the Cyclones.
A 6-foot-1 forward from Tyler, Texas, Malone is down to three schools for her college choice.
“My top three are Iowa State, Kansas State and TCU,” Malone said. “I know Iowa State has a really good coach. That’s what I like about them. Coach Fennelly is really nice.”
An emerging talent, Malone would instantly upgrade any team’s quickness and athleticism. Last season, she averaged 9.1 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game for Robert E. Lee High School. Malone also plays on the Cy Fair Nike Elite AAU squad where she’s drawn rave reviews from scouts.
“I like to score in transition,” Malone said. “I can put it on the floor a lot. I like working the post, working the high-post game, shooting 15-footers. The drop step is my favorite move.”
When it comes time to make a college choice, Malone wants to go somewhere she feels comfortable and can make an impact. Those factors should only help the Cyclones. Iowa State was one of the first schools to get serious with her, and the second to offer, Malone said. Also, Malone’s freshman season would coincide with Anna Prins, Chelsea Poppens and Amanda Zimmerman’s senior campaigns.
Decision time is quickly approaching for Malone. She wants to make a choice by the end of June or beginning of July. Right now, the plan is to come up to Ames for Iowa State’s Elite Camp on June 9th and 10th.
That should give Malone a chance to check out campus and she how she would fit with Iowa State. The Cyclones can only hope she likes what she sees.
“I’ve always wanted to play in the Big 12,” she said. “Ever since I was little, I wanted to be in the Big 12.”
