Ariyah Copeland
Ariyah Copeland of the Bama Storm is a post scoring threat. *Photo by Ty Freeman.
Earlier this week Alabama coach Kristy Curry and her staff secured a verbal commitment from class of 2017 post Ariyah Copeland of Columbus, Ga.
The 6-foot-2 post will give the SEC school a legitimate interior scoring threat with the ability to play with her back to the basket around the rim. During her prep career Copeland has become a consistent scorer in the paint, showing that she can score over both shoulders and get to the free throw line with consistency. Copeland has also shown some comfort stepping out and making mid-range jumpers, an area that should prove to be very helpful as she transitions to college.
While Copeland is the first member of the 2017 class to make a verbal pledge to the Crimson Tide, she will be joining a strong 2016 class. Guard’s Cierra Johnson of Mobile, Ala., and Jordan Lewis of Windermere, Fla., should give coach Curry and her staff enough perimeter playmaking to provide Copeland with space around the rim.
Keil Moore is the Director of Scouting for the JumpOffPlus.com National Scouting Report and international scouting report. He serves on the Naismith Trophy Board of Selectors and has been a member of the women's basketball community for more than eight years as a trainer and evaluator. He can be reached at keil@prospectsnation.com.
