Long Island is unlikely to see another basketball prospect like Delaney Walters anytime soon.
Hailing from Centereach, the young star has been a varsity player since seventh grade, achieving remarkable statistics and breaking longstanding records.
“That was the moment I realized I could truly excel at this, regardless of my age,” Walters remarked.
The 14-year-old, standing 5-foot-6, emphasized that skill and dedication are what count, not the number of years under her belt.
Now, as she transitions to St. Mary’s High School in Manhasset, Walters is looking for new challenges as a freshman, aiming to make an impact on the court.
“I want to win a state championship and make a name for myself,” she mentioned after her orientation at the Catholic Academy.
“To get noticed by schools and universities, you have to be the best on the court… I also hope to play professionally one day.”
Crossover to Greatness
The sharp shooter made headlines when she broke a long-standing 3-pointer record during the season around a decade ago.
“That’s when I really started shooting from long distances. I would film my attempts to improve,” Walters recounted.
She reflected, “I thought, ‘Wow, we really might be able to reach this goal.’ That encouraged me to shoot from farther away.”
Having already received invitations to college camps, it’s clear that her impressive skills aren’t simply a fluke. Last season, she averaged 18 points per game and shattered her previous 3-pointer records by making 66 shots, earning her a spot on the first team all-conference list.
Ranked No. 10, she’s on track to become the Cougars’ all-time leading scorer and has received approval from St. Mary’s coach to attend their summer camp.
“It was a wake-up call for me,” Walters said of her early successes. “It really boosted my confidence.”
Full Court Press
According to her long-term trainer, Jerry Powell, Walters’ achievements are no accident. He has worked with NBA stars like LeBron James and Paul George.
“She has the right mindset and attitude,” Powell stated, noting how impressed he was with her focus during training sessions.
“She learns quickly; that’s why her potential is limitless… She’s going to be something special,” he added, emphasizing her dedication to training five days a week.
Walters mentioned that she saw significant improvement in her game between seventh and eighth grade.
“When young players start to find success, they often ease off,” Powell remarked. “But Delaney treats basketball as her priority. If you invest that time early, success tends to follow.”
Trainers highlight that competing at a high-level school like St. Mary’s will challenge and elevate her game further as she pursues her WNBA aspirations.
Interestingly, Walters identifies as a supporter of both Duke and North Carolina, though she’s unsure why.
“Wearing a Duke hoodie with a UNC hat raised some eyebrows,” she laughed. “But if I had to choose, my heart leans toward Duke.”
She’s also dreaming about getting picked by the Minnesota Lynx, taking inspiration from guard Courtney Williams.
“She plays with such speed and energy,” Walters shared. “That’s what I aspire to be like.”
While many teens in Long Island look up to Steph Curry from the Golden State Warriors as a shooting role model, Walters is determined to carve her own path.
“I just want to perfect my own shot,” she said.
