Crown Point sophomore Lilly Stoddard typically enjoys life on the road.
So the AAU season existing in a state of limbo because of the coronavirus pandemic has been especially trying.
“It’s really strange not to be traveling around the country,” Stoddard said. “I love doing that and seeing new places. I love those big tournaments and the atmosphere.”
Stoddard, a 6-foot-4 forward, has been a big-time player for Crown Point. The all-conference and honorable mention all-state selection averaged 9.7 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.8 blocked shots last season.
Stoddard’s performances and additional potential have paved the way to an array of scholarship offers.
Iowa, Purdue, Illinois, Ball State, Butler and Arizona State all fall into that category.
Arizona State and Butler made the move since the onset of the pandemic, with Arizona State offering in April and Butler almost coinciding with the beginning of the shutdown.
Those two schools are the only ones Stoddard has yet to visit.
Earlier this month, the NCAA extended the recruiting dead period through at least June 30, continuing the moratorium on in-person contact both on campus and off campus.
Stoddard, also a volleyball player who competes in the high jump in track, also has been in consistent contact with Indiana, Dayton, Minnesota and Xavier.
With time on her side, she’s not in any particular rush to choose.
“Right now, I’m just trying to build stronger relationships,” Stoddard said. “I want to make sure I’m making a good decision and going to a place that’s the right fit for me.
“Four years is a long time. Fortunately, there are a lot of great places I’m in a position to go to. It’s really exciting.”
Stoddard can rely on insight from sister Abby, a senior forward for Crown Point who has committed to Butler.
“She’s helped me so much,” Lilly Stoddard said of Abby. “With everything she went through, I know or have an idea what to do.
“She’s just said to make sure whatever school it is — just make a good decision that’s right for you and not for somebody else. That’s what I should focus on.”
Lilly Stoddard has been playing basketball and working out with Abby, as well as younger brother Luke, who will be a freshman next season.
Lilly and Abby Stoddard have helped Crown Point post back-to-back undefeated regular seasons.
The Bulldogs reached a Class 4A semistate in 2019 before losing to eventual state champion Hamilton Southeastern. They lost to Penn in a LaPorte Regional semifinal this season.
“This year was my last year playing with Abby in high school, and it’s crazy how much she taught me,” Lilly said. “She’s a leader on the court and a great communicator.
“Hopefully, I can fill her shoes and step up to be a leader for the younger girls and everyone on the team.”
Sophomore point guard Jessica Carrothers, another Division I prospect for Crown Point, has no doubt Lilly Stoddard will rise to the occasion.
“Lilly’s a great friend and a great teammate,” Carrothers said. “It’s just a lot of fun to play with her.”
