Introducing Cierra Bravard of Sandusky, Ohio, one of those kind of posts against whom opposing teams often use the "King Kong defense." That is, jump on her back, hang on her arms, send little bi-planes at her in desperate attempts to prevent her from destroying the interior of your defense.

Cierra Bravard

The fact that Bravard is such a load, at a solid 6-foot-4, means she can make a living at the foul line. And she actually does, having shot 78 percent for Perkins High School last season. Her club team, SMAC Showtime, also was able to ride out several victories during Basketbal on the Bayou on Bravard's golden touch from the stripe.

What's more, Bravard makes shots - inside and outside. That, her free-throw shooting, and big, live body will give a college program much with which to work. Bravard is vague about her recruitment, but Duke, Florida State, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan State, Ohio State, Pittsburgh, Purdue and Vanderbilt is kind of a list, though not an official one.

"I'm still really open," Bravard said. "I'm not in any shape to make any kind of decisions. I just want to finish the (club) season and get ready for my high-school season and make a decision when things are clear. I will take official visits. I don't know how many, but I won't make a decision until after."

Bravard said she likes "kids and sports," which means she may be interested in coaching. Geography, she said, is not an issue and she is open to going some distance to school.

"I want to go somewhere that already has a successful program, where I can make an impact, play my game and not have to change my style," Bravard said.

As long as she keeps making shots, there won't be a thing anyone will want to change.

RIM SHOTS

• We all know that youth will be served, but do we know just how young? The sport was set on its ear when freshman Lauren Avant committed to Tennessee in November. But get this - Bashaara Graves, a 6-1 forward out of Clarksville, Tenn., confirmed to HoopGurlz.com that she has been offered a scholarship from the Lady Volunteers. She's 13 years old! She attends Richview Middle School and will graduate from high school in 2012, two years after Avant. Graves said she still is deciding on the offer.
• While we're on the subject of young commits, Atonita Slaughter, a 6-2 wing out of Shelbyville, Ken., was the youngest, at 14 years old, to commit to Louisville. She is in the class of 2010, like Avant.
• Let's stay with this topic. Basketball on the Bayou actually was a great tournament for young talent, some of which we've already mentioned in previous days' coverage. Include on that list Chakecia Miller (see photo below) of Smyma, Ga., a 5-7 point guard with much derring-do. She was a 2011 playing up with the Georgia Hoopstars in the 16U Division.
• A couple of Comets (from Pennsylvania) joined club teammate Becky Burke (South Carolina) among the college committed. Megan Pearson, a 6-foot point guard who attends Archbishop Carroll in Radnor, Pa., committedd to Villanova ,and Katie Kuester, verballed to St. Joseph's University. Kuester the daughter of John Kuester, who was an NBA assistant for 13 years with the Magic, Nets and 76rs. Kuester also considered Delaware, Drexel, LaSallle and North Carolina, her father's alma mater.

Chakecia Miller

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