Prospect Watch: Kale Catchings (2018)
Class of 2018 forward Kale Catchings of CBC has proven to be a valuable piece to Brad Beal Elite’s successful run in the Nike EYBL this spring.
The 6’5″ Catchings is the Cadets’ main offensive weapon, but for his grassroots team, he has emerged as an athletic, high energy glue guy who will rebound, defend, get inside buckets and do the little things that will help a team win. So far, Catchings has helped BBE to a 9-3 record and a first-place showing in Division D with one session remaining in two weeks.
“It’s taken us all some time to find our roles because most of us are used to being the go-to player on our high school team,” Catchings said. “For me, I’ve found my niche to be on the defensive end, usually switching off on the best player with Fred (Thatch). Just being an overall slasher who can knock down an open shot is kind of the spot I’ve established on the team.”
Catchings’ overall play earned him his first Division I offer from Cleveland State University. He has also received interest from Ivy League schools such as Harvard, Penn and Brown. Others such as Miami of Ohio, Missouri State, Boston University and Tennessee Tech have also shown interest.
As a junior, Catchings assumed the new role as the Cadets’ No. 1 option after the graduation of Division I guards Jordan Barnes and Christian Willis. Catchings handled the responsibility well as he averaged a team-high 16.6 points and 6.1 rebounds while shooting 51 percent in leading CBC to a 20-10 record and a berth in the Class 5 state quarterfinals. He is a load to handle in the paint, whether he is posting up or attacking the basket off the bounce against opposing bigs. Catchings can also bring the thunder with his ability to throw down impressive slam dunks in traffic.
“My role at CBC took some getting used to, but I definitely enjoyed it,” he said. “With so many pieces around me, there really wasn’t too much pressure. I went out and played my game and everything else really fell in line. We had a solid season, but as a team we’re looking for much more next year and I know it starts with me.”