Having proven herself this past season by averaging nearly 18 points per game as just a freshman, 5'10" guard Kiarra "Kiki" Kennedy (Middletown '20) looks primed for big things as she develops into one of the best in Section 9.
The leading scorer on a veteran laden team at Middletown this past season, Kennedy is already playing well beyond her years as she can play near anywhere on the floor, a trend that is continuing the AAU circuit where she plays with Middletown's Finest.
Kennedy has the ability to play in the paint if need be because of her length and her soft touch, but Middletown's Finest 15u head coach Gordon Mitchner feels that as Kennedy gets older she will develop into a more defined position in the backcourt.
"Keep in mind that Kiarra is only 14 right now so as she continues to grow and work on her ballhandling skills I think she will be a combo guard, and someone who has the footwork and athleticism to go down low when needed as well," Mitchner stated.
It's not just the fact that Kennedy can score in a variety of ways to lead her Middletown's Finest team, something she showed off last weekend at the UsGurlz Showcase in New Jersey, but it's the fact she is consistent at a young age that Mitchner feels really stands out.
She can score 30 points and swipe 5 steals in one game and then come back and score 25 points and grab 10 rebounds in the next showing no drop off in her effort level, and the versatility in her game that speaks volumes.
Such a talented all-around player, if you ask Mitchner how and why Kennedy is so good at such a young age he says there are two defining factors as to why, both being equally important for her development and progress to where she is currently at.
"It speaks on two things to me," Mitchner said. "One is it speaks on the awesome support system that Kiarra has. Her mother and stepfather have sacrificed a lot for her, and then it speaks about her work ethic and her drive to want to be the best."
Mitchner believes in Kennedy's abilities so much that he believes she can be among the best that Orange County has ever produced, and that includes the likes of former UConn star, and current WNBA player Stefanie Dolson.
He believes she will get there because he has had her for many years now and sees the track she is in. Sure, he admits he is biased being her coach, but he says that with all his heart he thinks we will all be seeing her on the big stage in a few years down the line.
"I understand I am biased but if I am completely honest with you I believe she is a Division 1 talent and I am super excited for her future," Mitchner explained. "She is definitely the type of girl who you will see playing in the NCAA Tournament a few years from now."
