Most of his years were spent as an assistant principal and principal at Northwest Guilford. A player card does not guarantee a ranking or specific rating. Access to our recruiting columns from all the Prospects Nation contributors. But it was 18-of-33 (55%) on 2-point shots and made six of its last seven, including Kitleys game-winner. No. Pandemonium. [13] Kitley sustained a right shoulder injury against North Carolina in the quarterfinals of the 2022 ACC tournament and was sidelined as her team lost to NC State in the following game. In a late-season game against the Wolfpack at Reynolds Coliseum, he piled up 22 points and 12 rebounds in an 86-82 loss. You can imagine that shes overshadowed a lot because baby sister gets a lot of attention, but this was her day, Brooks told Evan Hughes, Virginia Techs radio play-by-play announcer, following the game. She knows what she likes, and I just love her innocence. For Virginia Tech, Kitley's addition gives them their second verbal commitment for the class of 2019 as Kitley is set to join her club teammate, Cayla King at the ACC school. Team CONF GB OVR; Notre Dame: 15-3-24-4: Virginia . Need to stay focused on GT. Led the Hokies in scoring at 18.2 points per game and averaged 10.4 rebounds. (Olson) When he became the new pastor at Central United Methodist in Spencer in the summer of 1983, the family relocated. From 2009 until he retired in 2020, he was Northwest Guilfords principal. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise AAU basketball coach Tom King had a daughter (Cayla King) who was a very good player and the same age as Elizabeth. No other Tech player posted double figures, but Kitley and Traylor stepped up, especially in the second half. Access to the our full signing class rankings. Virginia Tech's Elizabeth Kitley and Georgia Amoore celebrate on their way back up the court during the quarterfinal game with Miami in the ACC Women's Basketball . But when she arrived in Blacksburg, from her hometown in Greensboro, North Carolina, the raw recruit wasnt what the polished junior is now. Kitley was also recognized as an All-Defensive Team member for the second consecutive season. Additional event recaps not available to non-subscribers. The reigning ACC Player of the Year received the pass, turned to the basket and released the 18-foot jumper in less than half a second. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. ET, ACC Network). 33 overall. Were winning on a day that she becomes the all-time leading scorer in Virginia Tech history. Ralph Kitley (44) played basketball at North Rowan in the 1980s, including on the Cavaliers' 1986 state championship team, before going on to play college basketball at Wake Forest. Kitley reaped 1,447 . Yet, they differ in one respect. He was a Duke fan. Elizabeths work ethic is unbelievable, and she practices with a chip on her shoulder. Kitley scored over 1,000 points in her career and was a McDonalds All-American nominee. But Traylor hit the groups lone trey in that span while Kitley was 4-of-4. Elizabeth Kitley has gone back-to-back. He was the first recruit to sign with new Demon Deacons coach Bob Staak, who had turned around the Xavier program before tackling the challenge of winning in Winston-Salem. Kitley scored over 1,000 points in her career and was a McDonald's All-American nominee. It was so awesome for Coach Brooks and his staff to put that together for both the girls. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals and in which personnel processes are merit-based and applied without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability . In the 2019-2020 season, Kitley was the ACCs Freshman of the Year. She was and would always likely be the tallest player on the floor. Access to the video tab on player profiles to see some of the best players in action. Virginia Tech demonstrates impact as a global land grant progressing sustainability in our community, through the Commonwealth of Virginia, and around the world. Yet, the Hokies couldnt create much separation. The team partnered with the VT SAFE (Supporting Autism Friendly Environments) Program and the VT Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research to use the game as a SAFE event. He earned a masters degree from Gardner-Webb University and transitioned to administration in Guilford County. Elizabeth and Cayla King both committed to Virginia Tech. 7h Hokie nation, I met @RavenKitley ! This subscription option renews on a yearly basis. Szokol opened on . She threw herself into basketball.. In a tie game at 59 with 2.1 remaining, Virginia Tech head coach Kenny Brooks called timeout after UNCs Alyssa Ustby missed the second of two free throws. 3 seed of the ACC tournament with the win. Brooks and Raven bonded quickly when Brooks visited the Kitleys home in Summerfield, North Carolina, so much so that Brooks gave her his phone number and the two started conversing regularly. Bringing back the experience from that is crucial for our season this year.. Wake was led by senior guard Muggsy Bogues, but the Demon Deacons went 3-13 in the ACC and lost five overtime games. Were Virginia Tech, Brooks said. Kitley grew up playing basketball, softball and volleyball, preferring softball by fifth grade. Retirement provided the opportunity to follow his daughters career. N.C. States star is 6-foot-5 All-American Elissa Cunane, who played on two 3A state championship teams at Northern Guilford, while Elizabeth was winning two 4A state titles at Northern Guilford. He could run the floor at 225 pounds and make mid-range shots. We got that look right there, Brooks said afterwards on the Virginia Tech Sports Network, and boom, as soon as it went up, the only thing that was on my mind was, How am I going to celebrate? Because I know thats good. The Tar Heels jumped out to a 16-9 lead after 10 minutes. GO HOKIES! This INCLUDES a player card with video highlights posted and access to premium player evaluations in the senior, junior and sophomore classes. There are practical reasons for the latter. 0:19; See All. 0 . Traylor exploded in the third quarter, scoring eight of Techs 14. Elizabeth Kitley is one of the nations best basketball players. There are no statistics for this selected season available for this player. 2022-23 ACC Postseason Awards Player of the Year: Elizabeth Kitley, Sr., C, Virginia Tech Defensive Player of the Year: Celeste Taylor, Sr., G, Duke Rookie of the Year: Ta'Niya Latson, G, Florida State Coach of the Year: Niele Ivey, Notre Dame Sixth Player of the Year: Saniya Rivers, So., G, NC State Most Improved Player: Makayla Timpson, So . Both tall blondes are from the town of Summerfield, north of Greensboro. Cant say enough good things about this team. The reason? USA Today 1st-team North Carolina in 2018. She switched her focus to basketball before her freshman year at Northwest Guilford High School in Greensboro, North Carolina, when she stood 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m). You noticed her height, but her skills needed improvement, Brooks said. Expectations for her are high. [8] On December 4, 2020, she posted a sophomore season-high 30 points and 11 rebounds in an 8459 win against Appalachian State. For that to happen, Duke and Notre Dame would both have to lose. That experience left an indelible mark on both. All the players have jelled together to make a great team. Ralph averaged 6.9 points, with a high of 18 against Davie County. For more details about the site, including a list of TechSideline.com staff, see our About page. Exactly like the game I watched (the fourth quarter twice!). They share a love for sports. He and I have a relationship based off that. They gave Elizabeth a lanyard, and there was no lanyard for Raven. Even in high school, most realized that she was different. 4A State Tournament MVP in 2017, 2018. Players with 300 minutes, only total of 19 points for Hokies! Elizabeth Kitley's rankings breakdown on the 4 major recruiting services: On3, 247sports, ESPN, and Rivals. Born on Sept. 17, Kitley is the daughter of Ralph and Loretta Kitley. I wanted her to go where she wanted to be.. That would be awesome, she said. Those back issues would plague him at Wake Forest. (Olson). Has three siblings; Raven, Zack and Nick. Follow @ChrisHansenPSB Though separated by nine years in age, the two share an undeniable bond. Virginia Tech's Elizabeth Kitley has been named Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year for the second straight season while Notre Dame's Niele Ivey has been named coach of the year. [1] As a sophomore, Kitley led Northwest Guilford to its first state championship at the 4A tournament and was named most valuable player (MVP) of the title game. One of the better 3-point shooting teams in the conference, VT didnt shoot it great from distance (6-of-20). February 24, 2023 Elizabeth Kitley had a night to remember in Chapel Hill on Thursday. Born on Sept. 17, Kitley is the daughter of Ralph and Loretta Kitley. It showed growth, too, winning eight of its final 11 conference games. In their sophomore and junior seasons at Northwest Guilford, Elizabeth Kitley and Cayla King won 4A state championships. Majority of the game, we made some uncharacteristic mistakes. All Hokie, All the Time. He told me to talk to Elizabeth about putting more time in on basketball.. There are no current NIL deals for this player. 22 North Carolina 61-59 on Thursday night. Brooks went out of his way to be kind to Raven. When the former five-star recruit committed in 2019, she was one of Techs highest rated recruits of all-time at No. Published 12:01 am Sunday, January 23, 2022. Elizabeth Kitley Post CLASS: 2019 97 SCOUTS GRADE Summerfield, NC Hometown Northwest Guilford High School 6-4 Height Weight 33 Overall Rank 7 Position Rank Status Signed Also Considered ESPN. But when she arrived in Blacksburg, from her hometown in Greensboro, North Carolina, the raw recruit wasn't what the polished junior is now. By Mike London When I was a kid, we played more basketball than kids do now, played lots of pickup games, but kids now work more at basketball, Kitley said. March 1, 2022. They spent the first quarter feeling out North Carolina and started 4-of-18 (22%) from the floor, turning the ball over five times. [12] On December 19, she posted 34 points and 13 rebounds in a 9275 win against Florida State. Sifford, Kesler, Kitley, Eric Hill and Tim Mitchell keyed a 29-2 team coached by Hundley. Elizabeth was ACC Freshman of the Year in 2019-20. Were winning, and were winning with the player of the year. Dasia Gregg and Cayla King (four points each) scored once in the final 10 minutes, as did Amoore. Add up to 3 additional videos to your player card (must be existing platinum subscriber). Her current 6-foot-6 frame makes her the tallest player in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Member of the National Honor Society and was ranked 18th in her graduating class of 535 students. She led the conference in rebounding, defensive rebounds and blocks per game this season. Elizabeth Kitley is an American college basketball player for the Virginia Tech Hokies of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Required fields are marked *. 8,854 Followers, 567 Following, 50 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Liz Kitley (@elizabethkitley) Liz Kitley (@elizabethkitley) Instagram photos and videos elizabethkitley Tech practices it often and miscommunication from North Carolina led to an open look. But mostly, they go to support Elizabeth. TechSideline.com (a.k.a. Hes reconnected with old places and old faces from his nights as a mid-1980s North Rowan star. Follow @ProspectsNation. Carolina is a great basketball team. It was there that Kitley went to work. The combination of Mabrey, Jones, and King will give Brooks and his staff quality . 0:17; Elizabeth Kitley fights off defender for and-1. She arrived as a raw talent thats worked hard to get to the skill level shes currently at, as head coach Kenny Brooks described. Elizabeth Kitley and Georgia Amoore combined for 47 points, almost outscoring Duke. However, Kayana Traylor was the other key for the Hokies outside of Kitleys record-breaking performance. Purchasing a Platinum membership gives you access to everything ProspectsNation.com offers annually or monthly. The Hokies superstar center on the womens basketball team recently named the ACC Player of the Year, ACC Scholar-Athlete of the Year, and currently getting ready to lead the Hokies to their second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance smiled and shook her head. Battle-in-the-'boro-July 2016: True low-post prospect brings shot blocking presence in the key; rebounds, outlets, agile in transition; continues back-to-basket game development. Ive seen her shoot that shot thousands of times and shes probably about 90% on it. Personal. Shes shooting efficiently from mid-range now, showing more versatility and showing her passing skills. He said, You need to go talk to her again.'. They express an affinity for competition. It just makes more sense, Raven said. It made me feel like Id be taken care of because they actually cared about me on a deeper level than just basketball. Thanks. They drove to Syracuse in late February for a Virginia Tech-Syracuse game and took a detour to see Niagara Falls a first for both. This reversed the roles a little bit. Elizabeth had sort of an off game on Thursday only seven rebounds to go with her 27 points in a 75-65 win against Pittsburgh. Elizabeth has made ACC all-academic teams and wants to go to med school, but its looking like med school may be deferred for a while. Hoping for a great season from the Ladies! I coached her rec ball teams, Kitley said. North was led by Kesler, Antione Sifford, Kitley and Andre Godfrey, went 22-6 and won the 3A North Piedmont Conference. But she said she learned the most in the Hokies 90-48 second round loss to Baylor. BTW another perfect report, David. The box score attached is way off. Kitley was unsure of basketball at first, but worked hard, a trait she said she learned from both her parents who are principals at public schools, to come into her own as a prospect. Elizabeth Kitley hit the game-winner over the Tar Heels on Thursday night. The On3 Industry Ranking weights the primary recruiting media services based on past performance data and overall scouting and recruiting coverage investment. Following surgery, she was sidelined until the final two games of the season. A player card created for a HS aged player of your choosing. For more details about the site, including a list of TechSideline.com staff, see our About page. [14] She returned for the first round of the NCAA tournament. He was chosen for the East-West All-Star Game in the summer of 1986, but was unable to play in the game because of back issues. We have a chance at having the player of the year in both mens & womens hoops. It is so important to find ways to welcome and include all people of differing abilities, said Angela Scarpa, the director of the Virginia Tech Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research located in the College of Science and the mother of a son who is autistic. Great win! All original material and images are copyrighted by TechSideline.com and may not be reused or reprinted without permission. They have been close friends for years, but for a couple of hours on Sunday, they wont be. After growing into the game, it shot 8-of-15 (53%) in the second period. [2] She helped her team win another state title in her junior season, repeating as MVP of the title game. She played basketball, volleyball and softball for years, but it was clear when she was in fourth or fifth grade that softball was the sport she liked the best. And Kitley had eight in the fourth. Weve never really talked about her as being autistic. But she worked often with her father, Ralph, who played college basketball at Wake Forest and overseas in Germany. Her father is happy about moving farther out, because when she stays in the low block, she gets double-teamed, knocked around, beaten up. Thanks for this nice article on Kitley! We will be adding new players and evaluations every week as well as updating our subscriber-only video content. The ACC women's basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year award is named in memory of the legendary Yow, who won 737 games as a head coach while directing NC State to four ACC Tournament championships and the 1988 U.S. Olympic Team to a gold medal. But Brooks willingness to embrace Ravens differences made an impression on the family. He assisted legend Howard West with the R.J. Reynolds boys team. The On3 Industry Ranking is a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings from all four primary recruiting media services. Access to schools of interest lists on numerous prospects. It just emphasized the family environment here, Elizabeth said. They turned the ball over eight times in the third quarter. If you want to get the scoop on Elizabeth Kitley then you'll need to sign up for the Prospects Nation Yearly Platinum Membership. when shes down low in the paint, a move she used often to score over opponents that matched up within an inch or two of her. He made All-State teams. Though she didnt say it, its widely expected for her to be in contention for ACC Player of the Year, where she finished second in preseason polling to NC States Elissa Cunane, her good friend and former AAU teammate. Visitation Nation -- A regular feature on players and their recent or upcoming visits, both official and unofficial. Amoore did not have a good game- Turnovers, bad shooting. Her AAU coach, the father of Kitleys high school and current collegiate teammate Cayla King, Tom, plucked her from the other two sports she grew up playing, volleyball and softball. The social interaction alone is invaluable. "Elizabeth took 24 hours to call every coach that recruited her to let them know her decision and to thank them," Kitley said. [1], On November 11, 2021, Kitley tallied 34 points and nine rebounds, making a program-record 17 field goals, in a 7538 win over George Washington. The thing about Elizabeth is that once she was in, she was all-in, Ralph said. All original material and images are copyrighted by TechSideline.com and may not be reused or reprinted without permission. He had 12 points and nine rebounds in that one. But Tech showed the ability to contend with anyone in the ACC when it stunned then-No. Virginia Tech head coach Kenny Brooks did the best job. On the same night, Elizabeth Kitley became the all-time leading scorer in Virginia Tech womens basketball history and hit a buzzer-beater to lift the No. Kitley was athletic enough in high school that he played tennis for the Cavaiers. Salisbury Post File Her story starts with Ralph. Once roommates in the home of Ralph Kitley, their father, they are each others best friend. I told Tom the next day that Elizabeth wanted to stick with softball and he was pretty disgusted with me, Ralph said. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Her AAU coach, the father of Kitleys high school and current collegiate teammate Cayla King, Tom, plucked her from the other two sports she grew up playing, volleyball and softball. 22 North Carolina, 61-59. Elizabeth is pursuing a degree in human nutrition, foods, and exercise within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She accomplished that in the fourth quarter (in 113 games). Its cool to see her with other people that she feels get her, Elizabeth said. Follow @BrandonClayPSB TechSideline.com (a.k.a. Ticket Marketplace, Travel Center & Info, English Field at Atlantic Union Bank Park Fan Guide, ACC Network, Video Library presented by , Virginia Tech Sports Network Radio Affiliates, Sport Psychology/Counseling and Athletic Mental Performance, Student-Athlete Academic Support Services, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), USBWA Ann Meyers Drysdale Player of the Year Watch List, 2023 Naismith Women's Defensive Player of the Year Watch List, Set the program record for field goals Jan. 22, 2023, Three-time ACC All-Academic Team (2020, 2021, 2022), First Team All-ACC and All-Defensive Team, WBCA All-American, USBWAThird Team All-American, Scored the 1,000th point of her career on Dec. 12 vs. Radford, Made 17 FGs, setting a new program recordat George Washington (11/11), Scored a program record 42 points in the NCAA Tournament game vs. FGCU. Stock Risers -- Our take on which players are moving up the recruiting ladder based on recent tournaments. That relationship played a role in Elizabeths decision to come to Virginia Tech.