Thursday Cardinal Couple -- Walton's winning ways will compliment Cards

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THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

-Cortnee Walton ready for Cardinal season

( This is another in a series of articles about the 2012-13 UofL Women's Basketball players. We've reached the freshman class and today's look-in features forward Cortnee Walton.)

When you look up the definition of success in the dictionary, you won't find a picture of Cortnee Walton...but maybe you should. Her basketball career, so far, is a major success story.

The 6'3" forward from St. Mary's High School (Phoenix, AZ). joins the year's Louisville WBB squad after being an integral part of two straight Arizona girls high school basketball state championship teams. In her senior year, team captain Walton led St. Mary's to a 30-0 record and the mythical National Championship for girls high school basketball. 

Walton was also a ACA First team All-American and received honorable mention on the WBCA All-American squad.

What makes her such a powerful and dynamic player? Her versatility is a key factor. She can easily switch from small to power forward and has the shot depth and range to pull off either position quite well. A ferocious rebounder, Walton is also an excellent passer and can take on the opponent's leading scorer defensively and shut them down.

Such skills bode well for Cortnee as she makes her debut as a Lady Card. Joining a team that is deep in perimeter and front line players, Walton's skills will serve Jeff Walz well in his defense-oriented and transition game style of basketball. 

She's also bonded with the other Cards freshman Megan Deines...the two spent part of the summer together and Walton made the trip cross-country to drive to Louisville with Megan from Missouri to the campus when it came time to report for school. 

Blessed with an engaging smile and delightful personality..Walton has a positive style that blends in well with the other outgoing and entertaining Lady Cards. 

Jeff Walz is fortunate to have depth at every position as the season draws near and Walton's ability to do many things well will make her a valuable commodity to Louisville women's basketball this season. With a wealth of talent on this year's squad...we may not see any Cardinal front-liners get more than 20-25 minutes per contest, but we're confident that Walton's minutes on the court will be productive, busy and successful.

She is from Surprise, AZ. and will surprise many Cardinal fans with her immediate contributions to this 2012-13 UofL squad. 

Welcome aboard, Cortnee and best of luck this year!

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We remind you that our second battle in the Sweet Sixteen of your favorite Cardinal womens' athlete is under way on the left side of the site. Erin Bennett and Michelle Molodynia are engaged in a tight battle so far...either could win this one. Be sure to get your pick in early...these first round contests are only up for a couple of days and then it is on to the next one.

You can find a profile of each of these two contestants at the bottom of Jenny's great Wednesday column.
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