LACKAWANNA COUNTY, Pa. — The rematch between Iowa's Caitlin Clark and Louisiana State University's Angel Reese has created a rivalry that's drawn more eyes to women's college basketball than ever before.
Setting the bar high for the next generation of female hoopers like Ella Clementoni and Claire McGrath.
"It shows us like what we can do in the future and like, I don't know, it's just inspirational," said Ella Clementoni, NEPA Elite.
"For me, I think it just pushes me to be better," said Claire McGrath.
Both play for the NEPA Elite AAU Program at Riverfront Sports in Scranton.
McGrath says Clark's rise to the top has only motivated her and her teammates to get better, "I see them playing and working as hard as they can and Caitlin Clark breaking all these records, and it encourages me to be almost like her, I guess."
"I mean, there's a lot more focus on girls' basketball at this point, which is great. It's doing great things around the country, and it's doing great things locally in Northeast Pennsylvania," said Kevin Clark, Coach and Owner of NEPA Elite.
Coach and Owner of NEPA Elite Kevin Clark has guided many D-1 players here in Northeastern Pennsylvania, and he thinks that number will only continue to grow, "They are exactly where our girls wanna be now. So they work just as hard it's my job to help these girls get this exposure and help them through this recruiting process."
But in the meantime, players like McGrath say they will keep working hard to hopefully reach the same heights as today's stars, "I think the future is growing and it's going to be great. There are so many players right now that are amazing basketball players and seeing their dreams come true makes our dreams seem like they can come true."