by Cachell Clay

Though the Cornerstone basketball season is over, recruiting continues the entire year.

The women’s team has been trying to replace the five seniors they’ve lost and has already found three. The men’s team is looking for just a few players, and since they are not losing anyone, recruiting has been going slow.

Women’s basketball coach Carla Fles is fine with the way the recruiting process is going, but is still looking for another post player, as well as another shooter.

“I think it’s been going well,” Fles said. “We lost five girls and three of our returners are fall sport athletes, and I want to have enough to practice. We already have three girls signed, and we’re looking to bring on two or three more.”

Senior Jenna Plewes has visited high school basketball games with Fles on recruiting efforts and loves staying in touch with recruits, even if they don’t end up attending Cornerstone.

“I love when recruits ask why I chose Cornerstone, because I could go on forever to tell them about how much I love it here,” Plewes said. “I have built many friendships through the recruiting process, even if the players haven’t chosen to come to Cornerstone. As far as the girls that didn’t choose to come to Cornerstone, I spent a lot of time going to games or calling them on the phone.”

Fles asks herself certain questions about the players she recruits, especially if the program fits the player. Fles understands the program is not right for everyone. She includes everyone in the recruiting process, and likes to bring some of the girls from the team along.

“I get everyone involved,” Fles said. “Especially the players, because who better than the players to tell of their experiences themselves. Even the alumni help. If they coach a high school team they call me up and say, ‘Hey, we played against a girl and she was tough; you should look into it,’ or ‘We have someone on the team that you should take a look at.’”

Plewes, who has been helping recruit all four years she has been on the team, thought about how nice it was when some of the college players came and watched her play her junior and senior years in high school.

“I enjoy going to games with coach, my assistants, other players or just by myself,” Plewes said. “I remember when players like Ashley Velzen, Cathi Powell and Mindy Rader would come to my games. It felt so cool to have college athletes at my games that I looked up to and still do.”

While the men’s team hasn’t signed anyone yet, they also do not have many spots open on the team. Men’s basketball coach Kim Elders has been visiting all the local high schools as well, and listening in for players from far away.

“We haven’t landed anybody yet,” Elders said. “If they’re local we’ve already heard about them; if it’s somebody from afar it’s usually word-of-mouth. I have stuff coming across my desk every day.”

Assistant coach Lance Roark helps with the men’s team recruiting efforts, and similar to the women’s team, he often receives help from alumni.

“Our approach is to keep lines of communication open with athletes,” Roark said. “Be they Cornerstone campers, high school players or outgoing seniors looking for a place to play. We have alumni and friends who are coaches all over, in Michigan or abroad, that are constantly throwing us leads as well.”

Elders looks to bring in at least two players per year, even though this year the team isn’t graduating any players.

“We usually bring on two to four a year,” Elders said. “We want to bring on three for next year if we can. I just look for a post player that’s big; if they’re big and good they are usually going somewhere else. We’re also looking for a shooter and an athletic three-man type player.”

Roark described the recruiting process as a year-long endeavor that never stops.

“Recruiting for basketball is like recruiting for business,” Roark said. “If someone is good, you can find a place for them. If you have needs, you have to fill those needs. You are looking for the best person and the best player that fits our system and our mission at Cornerstone.”