Girls Prep of the Week: Jordan Cloutier, Gulf Coast basketball
With less than two seconds remaining and down by one point against a New York playoff-caliber team, Gulf Coast High School girls basketball coach Mark Woodruff drew up an inbounds play to Jordan Cloutier.
The junior guard didn’t waste her opportunity, dropping in a buzzer-beating game-winner against Fayetteville-Manlius to keep the Sharks undefeated in their trip to face Syracuse teams in New York this weekend.
“When he called up that play, I told myself, ‘I’m going make this and I’m going to win this game,’" Cloutier said. “I knew (the shot) was going in as soon as I released it.”
Cloutier’s confidence carried through the trip, dropping an average 25 points a game and joining only three other Sharks in the Gulf Coast history book with her 1,00th point against Christian Brothers Academy.
For her performance in New York, Cloutier is the Girls Prep of the Week.
“Her shooting was incredible all weekend long,” Woodruff said. “After she hit that buzzer-beater, when we walked outside it had literally just started snowing. It was like right out of a movie. It was incredible. ”
“I’m really thankful for the opportunity,” Cloutier said. “It was an amazing experience.”
This season, the 5-foot-7 junior helped the Sharks stayed undefeated through seven games, while averaging 21.8 points. Cloutier, a transfer from Community School, also came up with a staggering 39 points against Christian Brothers Academy and 30 against Liverpool in New York.
“Jordan plays with an intensity that you rarely see in high school,” Woodruff said. “She plays almost at a collegiate level when it comes to mental focus and work ethic, and she really dialed in this weekend. She’s just a coach’s dream.”
Although Cloutier verbally committed to Stetson this summer, the junior is still getting looks from other colleges, including Boston College, which made the trip to Syracuse this weekend to see her play. But for now, she’s focused on this season, eyeing for a state championship.
“It’s going to take a lot of hard work, dedication and focus,” Cloutier said.
OTHERS CONSIDERED
Angie Michel, Palmetto Ridge basketball – Averaged 16.5 points last week in wins over South Fort Myers and St. John Neumann.
Paige Scullin, First Baptist basketball – Scored a team-high 44 points as the Lions went 3-0 last week.
Becca Shakour, Naples soccer – Scored the game-tying goal in a tie against Barron Collier and the game-winning goal against Immokalee.
Coaches may submit nominations for preps of the week by emailing sports@naplesnews.com. The deadline is 6 p.m. Sundays.