Pence Flying Under the Radar 

Let’s face it every year a vast majority of the prospects from the Empire State basketball organization, a smaller non traditional program, go under the radar. 5 foot 9, Fox Lane HS rising senior Natalie Pence falls under that criteria in the 2021 class. She is going into her 5th season of contributing on the varsity level. After putting together a stellar junior campaign (15 PPG, 15 RPG, 4APG, 4SPG, 2BPG), she was named to the class AA All State team. NYGHoops Report got a chance to connect with the star guard prospect over the weekend to see what she is looking for in a school at the next level. 


“I am looking for a basketball program that not only allows me to compete at a higher level, but also gives me a new family, memories, and lessons that will last me a lifetime; I am looking for a college that has academics which will thoroughly challenge me and set me up for my future.” Natalie is well know in section 1 for her all around skills sets and IQ on the court, but it doesn't take long to see that her shooting is her calling card. In my opinion missing out on the spring evaluation period with her Emprire State Blue Flames travel club may have slowed down her recruiting process. When asked what has she been doing to keep busy during this Quarantine? The 1,000 point scorer goes on to say “ I’m known for my strong shooting ability and basketball IQ. Working at home in quarantine however, I have been focusing on my agility and footwork; I have been running sprints, doing a bunch of ladder drills, and have been in the weight room working on my overall strength and conditioning.” 

Natalie, reminds me of Manhattan college's Emily LaPointe  who won MAAC Rookie of the year last season. The quiet, unassuming, subtle solid W/G …Stroke looks good and hits the three very consistently… Does a nice job rebounding for her size. Shows good vision and is unselfish, good feel passing the ball whether its to a cutting teammate or feeding the post.