2020 Player Spotlight: Capria Brown
Being the third ranked player in the Prep Girls Hoops Illinois Class of 2020 Rankings, you automatically know Capria Brown is a special talent. The 5’9” Combo Guard from Schlarman has had an incredibly successful high school career, most recently being recognized as a 2018-2019 1st Team All-State member, while helping the Hilltoppers claim the 1A State Championship for the second year in a row.
Without missing a beat, this past Spring and Summer Capria joined up with the Example Sports Wolfpack AAU team, who were consistently one of, if not the best, AAU teams in Illinois.
“This AAU season definitely changed my game by far. I feel like a more confident player on and off the court with my decision making. I feel like my defense has definitely improved a lot, plus I got to play with an amazing group of girls, and I believe the best coach around.”
As a Combo Guard that can play at the one or two position, it is rare to find an opposing player that can match up defensively. When I asked Capria what she saw as the strengths in her game, she said “My strengths are definitely my quick step and my driving, for sure.”
Capria’s ball handling and that quick first step get her defenders off balance just enough to where she can drive past and make things happen in the lane. Once she sees an opening to score the ball, she does so at a high clip, averaging nearly 20 PPG and shooting 64% from the field during her Junior season at Schlarman.
When asked what she was looking to keep working on going into her Senior season, Capria said “Definitely staying consistent with my jumper and stats”. While she is a natural scorer and can knock down shots from deep, once she consistently hits from three at a high mark, she’ll be nearly impossible to stop.
What’s going on in recruiting?
During her Junior season, Capria gave a verbal commitment to Xavier, over several prestigious programs, but reopened her recruitment in March after a coaching change at the school.
Since then, she has added dozens of impressive offers. Among those are Illinois, Nebraska, Penn State, Central Michigan, Marquette, Michigan, Missouri State, Toledo, DePaul, Indiana State, Rutgers, Dayton, and several others.
Capria isn’t ready to announce a narrowed down list, but she did say she recently visited Michigan, Penn State, Dayton, and Toledo. She is looking to sign this November, so she plans to take officials in September and October before making a decision.