(By: Antonio G. Castillo)

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As the calendar flips to April, the AAU season would typically be ramping up for the LIVE recruiting periods and talent prepping for the big stage. While the AAU season remains on hold, college programs continue to recruit and search for top talent, and the Washington Huskies have landed a top commitment not only from the CenTX, but the entire State of Texas.

 One of the best 2021 prospects in the Lone Star State, Ashytnne “AJ” Marotte (Vista Ridge HS), recently committed to the PAC 12 team. Head Coach Jody Wynn and her staff have been on Marotte for nearly a year. With the current state of the country, Marotte was certainly humble and grateful for the opportunity presented, as she decided that the University of Washington was the program where she wanted to be.

 “I’m definitely thankful for the position I'm in. With everything going on, I know some girls are not as fortunate without offers,” said Marotte.

 The 6’1” guard helped lead the Lady Rangers to a 30-win season as a junior and came within one game of making a trip to the class 6A State Semifinals.  

 Our staff has seen Marotte in person multiple times over the last few years and her skill-set is what separates her from the group. She's a dynamic scorer and will hurt you in multiple ways. Has very good handles and then applies it so meticulously in exploiting her opponents.

 Whether she’s driving by would-be defenders with her good speed, or using her jump shot with unlimited range. Her skillset is that of a high major prospect, and a big part of why she’ll be playing in what some see as one of the toughest conferences on the women’s side.

 Going forward, with her recruitment wrapped up before the start of her senior season, Marotte can now focus on becoming a better overall player, and she’s already locked in on what she has to do.

 “I definitely want to become a stronger point guard. I can shoot, but that's definitely a skill I want to be more comfortable and confident at.”

 She did admit that making a decision was a bit of a relief, but in all, just the overall excitement of having an opportunity to play in such a reputable conference, like the PAC 12, was a tremendous experience.

 Marotte was very complimentary on her development outside of the high school scene and touched on some of the importance that AAU ball has helped her thrive with.

 “My team, Texas Elite, is based out of Dallas. In Austin the basketball is not the same, its different. Getting that exposure in Dallas definitely helped me out, those tougher games and competition. Now that I'm committed I get to focus on the next level even more,” said Marotte. “It's extremely important. That’s been the biggest thing for me. You don’t get looks like that in high school. AAU has probably been the biggest thing. My AAU Coaches with their knowledge in the college basketball world. It’s definitely a huge impact.”

With hopes that things return to some type of normalcy, sooner than later, the Vista Ridge squad is returning plenty of talent. Seniors to be Jazra Williams, Adeleke Weade, and Brittney Stewart, paired with Marotte make for one of the most talented and deepest teams in the CenTX and Region IV. Don’t be surprised to see the Lady Rangers make some more noise this coming season, and expect AJ Marotte to be right in the middle of it all, and probably leading the way.