Player Profile: Caitlin Rorman (2019)
Caitlin Rorman is a 5-10 forward who plays for Blue Earth in the winter and the Rise in the summer. She’s a solid all-around player who does a little bit of everything on the basketball court. She’s listed as a…
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Continue ReadingCaitlin Rorman is a 5-10 forward who plays for Blue Earth in the winter and the Rise in the summer. She’s a solid all-around player who does a little bit of everything on the basketball court. She’s listed as a small forward on the Blue Earth roster, but she’s a strong 5-10 and plays bigger than that. The Rise listed her as a 5-11 guard/forward, which suggests that she’s got pretty good perimeter skills but Rise coach Dan Wolfe played her closer to the basket rather than further away.
The pressure will be on this year at Blue Earth. Coach Al Cue, entering his 11th year in Blue Earth, has just 3 real contributors coming back and Rorman is the biggest of the 3, whether at 5-10 or 5-11. Cue says that “she’s a well-rounded player,” with which we have already concurred. He goes on to say that she’s “good with both hands (and) can score inside and out.” We saw her score more inside than out with the Rise. (We admit that we have not seen her with Blue Earth. And, not only that, but Blue Earth stats for last season are not available online that we can see. But we know that she scored 13 ppg as a freshman, so I’m sure coach Cue is on cue with his observation. Caitlin says she’s working on her mid-range jumper.)
What we know, what we’ve seen is that she is fundamentally very solid, a great position player who is not afraid to get physical, who defends her turf and hits the boards. She is strong enough to play the 4, and mobile enough to play the 3. She’s kind of a tweener, to be honest. But, usually this past summer, with the obvious exception of Joey Batt, she was usually the best player on a pretty good Rise 10th team. Even so, for Blue Earth to improve on its 10-12 record of a year ago, Caitlin is going to have to explode. There’s a pretty fair chance that she will if that mid-range jumper comes around.
Let’s meet Caitlin.
When did you start playing basketball? Who got you started and how?
I started playing basketball in 4th grade when I was on a traveling basketball team. My dad would take me to our local fitness center to shoot or we would practice in our driveway.
When did you first realize that you might be pretty good at it? What were the circumstances?
I first realized I might be pretty good at basketball when I was in 6th grade and by 8th grade I was playing on varsity.
How do you describe your game? What are the things you do best to help your teams win?
I'm a very versatile player and don't panic under pressure. I have played all positions on the court at the varsity level. I am equally good with my right and left hand and can score inside and outside.
What are the things you're working on to get better at?
I'm always working on all parts of my game, but I have been currently focusing on my mid-range jump shot. I've also been spending more time in the weight room to continue to get stronger.
How would you compare high school ball versus summer ball? What do you like about each?
In school ball the competition level can change from week to week. But it is fun growing as a team as the season goes on. In summer ball the competition is always good and if you want to play at the next level, then summer ball will show you the skill-set you must have to do that. I really enjoy the tougher competition and playing against some of the best players in Minnesota as well as surrounding states.
Who are you going to be playing with next summer and why?
I will be playing with MN Rise again because of the excellent coaches and it's been great seeing our team improve each year while playing against some of the top teams.
Do you see yourself playing ball at the next level? Where are you at in the process of selecting a school?
I definitely want to play at the next level. I'm in process of scheduling my first college visits.
What are your goals both personal and team this winter?
I want to continue to get stronger and improve in all parts of my game. I want to help my team advance farther than the previous year in section play, with the goal of getting to the state tournament.
What advice would you give to younger girls who are just getting started and who think they might want to play basketball at the next level?
I would tell younger players to always work hard on improving all parts of your game and especially continue to work on your skill in the off season. That's when some of your biggest improvements can be made to your game.