Name: Morgan Blackford
Height: 5-8
Position: Shooting Guard/Point Guard
High School: Solon (OH)
Graduation Class: 2023
AAU Club: Western PA Bruins GUAA
GPA: 4.4
Status: Uncommitted
Favorite hobbies outside of basketball: Biking, going to the beach during the summer, lifting, riding rollercoasters and running.
Expectations heading into junior year: "I want to win a district championship with my team!"
Accomplishments: Greater Cleveland Conference All-Conference team
Morgan Blackford is a 5-8 Combo Guard from Solon, Ohio, southeast of Cleveland. She's currently a junior at Solon High School and runs with the Western PA Bruins on the Under Armour circuit. Blackford is the older sister of Mackenzie Blackford, who's another guard for Solon. She's also an accomplished hurdler on the track who was a regional champ this past spring season. On the court, Blackford is a hard-nosed guard who loves to get up and down, but always looks to create her own shot and make the right play. Most recently, Blackford participated in the NEO Youth Elite Showcase taking home All-Star game honors competing against some of the nation's best hoopers. To be on that type of stage with only a few knowing your name, she impressed a lot of folks with her toughness on both sides of the ball, it was highly impressive. Blackford is expected to up her production in year 3 for the Comets and I am all here for it! Let's get to know more about the Solon guard!
BREAKDOWN:
STRENGTHS
Aggressive Scorer
"Blackford is one of the most aggressive scorers that I've worked with so far. The young lady has no regard for human life as she'll bulldoze her way through for a bucket, or step out and shoot the jumper if given space. Think wisely as a defender. Please and thank you."
Elite Anticipation
"A High IQ defender, the 4.4 comes in handy as Blackford uses her instincts and scrappy play to get steals in the passing lanes and stripping the ball from defenders"
High IQ Player
"Pretty explanatory, Blackford is smart in all aspects on the court. Always looks to make the right play at the right time. Very unselfish player."
Knockdown Shooter
"Always shot ready and ready to hit from 15 plus feet out!"
Strong finisher at the rim.
"Blackford has an athletic build that let's her finish strong in the paint every time. Like I said before, she has no regard for human life. The film does not lie!"
Using both hands effectively.
"Very fundamental player, many don't use both hands at that age with confidence."
THINGS TO IMPROVE ON
Being a more polished scorer
"Blackford is very solid right now for her age, but she will have to become more smooth in her game as you can't always play with speed. Blackford gets the majority of her points in transition, but playing with more pace in the half court game will benefit her moving forward. Just knowing where to be at and scoring with angles."
Rebounding the ball
"Being 5-8 is a plus, but Blackford will need to get meaner on the glass in order to improve her chances of being recruited at the next level!"
Shooting the three consistently
"One of the biggest things that Blackford told me that she needs to work on. Blackford said that she wants to become a consistent shooter knocking it down at or over 50% in games."
MORGAN BLACKFORD Q&A
When did you start playing basketball?
"I started camps when I was 5. Played in a recreational league around 1st grade and started a travel team in 4th grade."
Describe Your Game.
"I love playing fast, especially running in transition, because I score a lot of my points in transition. I also have a strong left hand and can finish well on both sides of the rim. I love moving on offense and score a lot on cuts. I’m good at anticipating passes and getting steals."
How was your sophomore season?
"Our season started about a month late because of the pandemic, but we were still lucky to get 15 games in. Like everyone else, the season was filled with uncertainty as we had games cancelled & quarantining. Our team definitely had ups & downs, but it only made us stronger and hungrier for this upcoming season."
How was the live period for you?
"It was fun to play in front of college coaches since it’s been so long. I played in the Under Armour Circuit with my WPA Bruins team out of Pittsburgh."
How was the experience at the first ever girls NEO elite camp?
"I absolutely loved playing with top players from all over Ohio and from several states all over the country. It was top-notch competition and a great experience."
You’re still at a very early stage of your career. What kinds of things are you doing to make yourself the best player you can be?
"Each and every day I’m doing something to get stronger or faster. Sometimes I lift with my school team five times a week in the off-season. We also have open gyms & skill sessions with my school team to tone-up basketball-wise. My sister and I train at the Solon Rec Center multiple times a week."
Describe you and your sister, Mackenzie’s relationship.
"We are very competitive with each other, and love to play 1 on 1. The games are usually pretty even. Sometimes the games get very physical, but they make both of us better, mentally & physically. We have our disagreements, but we would still do anything for each other and have a strong friendship."
Which athlete do you look up to the most?
"Sabrina Ionescu. Phenomenal WNBA player and role model. Steph Curry, I love how Steph Curry went from being underrated and not highly recruited to an NBA star. His work ethic is unmatched and I love his, 'Underdog' mentality. No matter what people said with him being too small, or too short, he didn’t let anything phase him. Last, Alex Morgan. Even though she’s a soccer player, she has a great story & is an amazing athlete!"
Who do you look up to as role models?
"My parents & family are huge role models for me. Also, my school basketball coach Trish Kruse because she challenges me and believes in our team."
It’s still early, but what are you looking forward to in your junior season?
"Having a 'normal' season and seeing how far our team can make it in the state tournament."
Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation for people?
”If you put in the work, results will come! Patience is extremely important. Patience is very important for me because I’m not the highest recruit or “ranked” or anything. I know the offers will come at the right time!”
Morgan Blackford - Solon High School - Class of 2023
Twitter @mblackford33
High School Coach Information
Trish Kruse - Email
AAU Coach Information
Robert Cash - Email
John Tate - Email
Photo Credits
DeAndre Patrick - INSTAGRAM
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