Prospect Spotlight: Cora Saunders (2020)
The last time Iowa City Liberty junior Cora Saunders took the floor was on January 11 against Waterloo East, she scored 20 points on 7-11 shooting and canned five 3s in that game. A hamstring injury has sidelined her since…
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Continue ReadingThe last time Iowa City Liberty junior Cora Saunders took the floor was on January 11 against Waterloo East, she scored 20 points on 7-11 shooting and canned five 3s in that game.
A hamstring injury has sidelined her since then, but that last game played is a glimpse into what the 5-foot-7 guard is capable of.
“My biggest strength is shooting, I’m a 3-point shooter. I can get my shot off in different situations as I have a quick release,” said Saunders. “Another strength is I can drive and finish through contact with my non-dominant left hand. I also have good vision and can create shots for my teammates.”
Despite not being 100 percent this season, due to the nagging hamstring injury, Saunders has still been posting impressive numbers for the Lightning. She was averaging 13 points per game and shooting 45 percent from deep through 12 games.
“My main role on Liberty is to score, and another one of my roles is being a leader. I lead best by example,” said Saunders. “(Even with the injury), I feel like I have grown my game by looking to score in other ways besides just looking for 3-point shots.”
She added: “My primary goal is to get my hamstring healthy and to hopefully be able to play in regionals. Our team goal for the rest of the season is to play our best basketball of the season and to surprise some teams.”
In just two months, Saunders will head into a 17U grassroots season. She’ll play with Team Pressure 17U.
“My goals for the offseason are to keep working on my mid-range game and creating my own shot,” she said. “I also want to continue to work on strengthening my defense.”
Several Division III and NAIA schools in Iowa and Nebraska have been recruiting Saunders so far. She’s hoping to see that recruitment ramp up this summer.
“I am looking forward to getting to know coaches and programs more in the next 12 months,” said Saunders.