by Ken Sickenger Journal Staff Writer , Albuquerque Journal

"I couldn't believe it," Lobo coach Don Flanagan said in a post-camp interview. "We get to the very end and have two overtime games. We were fortunate to be able to put together such competitive teams, but I really liked the campers. The girls listened, worked hard and got after it."

NCAA recruiting rules prohibit Flanagan from commenting on unsigned players, but the UNM camp included several who are lighting up Division I radar screens.

Tina Doughty, a 5-foot-9 guard from Granbury, Texas, verbally committed to New Mexico after Monday's initial session. Several other campers - including some local athletes - stirred the Lobos' interest, as well.

Robert Sanchez is the head coach of New Mexico Heat Elite, an AAU club team for top local high school-age players. Sanchez assisted at UNM's camp this week as four of his players participated.

The Heat players in attendance were Sandia High School's Ebony Walker, Cibola's Amber Battle and Korina Chapman, and Desiree King of Sudan, Texas. All four are being recruited by multiple Division I schools and three have received scholarship offers from UNM, Sanchez said Wednesday afternoon.

"I think some people would be shocked to see the kind of ability on our team right now," Sanchez said. "If you take Ebony, Amber, Desiree, Korina and (Clovis') Antiesha Brown, I think you have the makings of a Sweet 16 college team."

Brown, who was recruited by UNM, recently gave a verbal commitment to Texas Tech and did not attend the Lobo camp. The other Heat players distinguished themselves, Sanchez said.

The 6-foot-2 Walker may have been the tallest and certainly was the most physically imposing among the camp's 35 players. Strong and quick for her size, Walker could also be the most heavily recruited. Sanchez said such noteworthy programs as UNM, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, Kansas, Texas Tech and Arizona are pursuing her. Walker will be a senior at Sandia next season.

The remarkably athletic Battle, who will be a junior in 2009-2010, also has numerous collegiate suitors, including New Mexico. Already able to dunk a volleyball, the 5-10 guard is still showing steady improvement.

"Amber could end up being the most recruited girl in the state of New Mexico," Sanchez said. "I'm betting she'll be the first girl to dunk in a New Mexico high school game, too."

King, who joined the Heat after leading Sudan to a Texas small-school state championship, has turned heads with her ball-handling skills and smooth 3-point stroke. The 5-8 junior-to-be was named state tournament MVP for Sudan but is adjusting to the point guard position this summer. Sanchez said King's scholarship offers include one from UNM.

Chapman, a 6-foot forward/post, was unable to compete in Wednesday's scrimmage after suffering a foot injury. If nothing else, Chapman was able to exhibit toughness.

"She broke a bone in her foot and played with it all day (Tuesday)," Sanchez said. "She just thought it was sore but it turned out to be a fracture."

Chapman, who will be a senior next season, will wear a protective boot for several weeks before rejoining the Heat during their summer tournament schedule, Sanchez said.

The Heat will be among many club teams hitting the road for high-profile tournaments through most of July. Both Flanagan and Sanchez felt this week's camp instruction will prove every bit as beneficial.

"Kids play so many games in the summer, sometimes they get away from the fundamentals," Flanagan said. "We like the camps because they give us a chance to meet and evaluate kids, but we make sure to teach and make things positive for the players, too."

Added Sanchez, "(Flanagan's) instruction is superb, and as young players mature they'll see the value of his words. When you get to this level, athleticism is everywhere. You separate yourself through fundamentals and hard work."

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