This versatile shooting guard is hoping to bring home another state title in her senior season

Three years into her career at Lexington (Ky.) Catholic High School, Chelsea Chowning has already racked up more than 2,000 points while leading the Lady Knights to a 93-11 record, a state championship in 2001, and another trip to the state semifinals in 2000.

Yet the 6-0 shooting guard, who will be a senior this fall, is not one to rest on her laurels. "Chelsea works hard in practice every day, and it shows in her play," LexCath Head Coach Greg Todd told iHigh.com last year. "She's always ready to play and she's easy to coach. The thing that sets her apart is her focus and her mental approach."

As a sophomore, Chowning averaged 16.9 points and 7.6 rebounds while leading the Lady Knights to 32-4 record and the 2001 state title. She earned the MVP award after averaging 14 points and 6 rebounds during the tournament. She scored 16 points in the title game, in which Lexington Catholic defeated Manual 36-34 on a last-second putback by fellow soph Sarah Schell.

Chowning improved her numbers during her junior season, averaging 17 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.4 steals per game. Unfortunately, LexCath was upset in the 2002 regionals, but that only means they'll be even more determined to reclaim their state crown next season--and Chowning will undoubtedly be leading the way.

"She does a lot," Todd told the Lexington Courier-Journal this spring. "She can handle the ball, she has improved her outside shooting and she's a good defensive player -- she had 44 blocks this year. She understands the game, and she's a definite candidate for [Kentucky] Miss Basketball next year."

Chowning was named to the 2002 Kentucky Associated Press all-state girls' high school basketball second team. She also is an outstanding student, ranking in the Top 10 in her class. Her blend of academic and athletic abilities should give her plenty of colleges from which to choose this fall.

"I'm looking forward to the recruiting process," she told iHigh.com last year after her stunning sophomore season. "I'm not sure if they will starting calling more or not."

With the success of her high school career so far, there's no doubt that there will be dozens of college coaches calling this fall. Indeed, Todd reports that Chowning is being recruited by several SEC and Big Ten schools.

Article written by Gball Associate Editor Jim Catalano.

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