Post season review of Player of the week #1

Every week, we will profiled an impact player in Southwest Washington. The First Week;



CAITLYNN LEANNE JACKSON

Kelso High, junior 2010, point guard #4

Caitlynn is the youngest of "3" of Noelle & Jon Jackson. Fighting with her two older brothers is probably what gives her that toughness she exhibits on the court. It's was that toughness that work against her in the '07 - '08 season and in summer play. Unaware to Caitlynn, her parents, or her coaches, Caitlynn's knee cartilage was deteriorating. Playing through the pain last season and over the summer became old hat for her. Simply icing up and back for the next game. But looking back on it, she should have gone to see what was wrong. It wasn't just typical aches and pains, but something really serious. Finally when the pain became to much to bare, she went to the doctor. They found a complete absences of cartilage in the knee. Basically her knee was rubbing bone to bone. An operation was necessary in an attempt to rebuild cartilage and adjust the knee cap.

Caitylyn came back on the court late November early December. Obviously not 100%. And with her coach not wanting to take chances with her health, limited her playing time. But by the end of the league season, Caitlynn showed what she can do. Averaging over 13 points a game in the last 7 games, and being a game changer in many big games for Kelso down the stretch. Any observer could clearly see that the reason for Kelso's late season success, rest on the shoulders of this 5'5 guard, along with Carly Perkins her teammate. Kelso finished 3rd in league and 2nd in the district tourney. How or why she didn't make the all league at least honorable mention team is a tradgedy.

Things to know about Caitlynn; favorite movie - Eagle Eye; favorite song - Let it Rock, by Kevin Rudolf; favorite players - Candace Parker & Jason Kidd; favorite team - Seattle Storm; favorite class - Language Arts; Hobbies include, hanging out, listening to music, and dancing. Caitlynn says her father is her biggest inspiration. She has been contacted by University of Portland, South Carolina State, Northwest Nazarene, Montana Tech and others, and she wants to continue her basketball career in college and study nursing.