While several college football teams took the field for the start of spring practice last week, there was also a recruiting buzz around the Queen City before Easter weekend.
With an oral commitment to the University of Cincinnati, Hamilton Badin junior quarterback Patrick Coyne became the first Cincinnati-area player to make a significant commitment to a college program from the 2011 class.
"I think it is great to have Pat commit to Cincinnati," Badin coach Bill Tenore told the Cincinnati Enquirer. "The University of Cincinnati has a great football program and to be able to play in front of a hometown crowd and family and friends will be great for Pat."
Coyne, who is 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, orally committed to the University of Cincinnati on March 29. Coyne was officially offered by the Bearcats in mid-March and said he felt comfortable with the coaching staff and players.
"I definitely feel my best fit 100 percent is to be at UC," Coyne told the Enquirer.
Coyne also had scholarship offers from the likes of West Virginia, Boston College, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois, among others. He is one of Ohio’s top players in the 2011 class. He threw for 1,642 yards and nine touchdowns last season.
With Coyne making his commitment, the attention now turns to the next possible commitment from Southwest Ohio. Because of spring break, several players have visits scheduled this week at various schools.
2. St. Xavier’s James dies after accident: Cincinnati St. Xavier senior offensive lineman Matt James died in a spring break accident in Panama City, Fla., on April 2. James, one of the nation’s top high school players in the 2010 class, signed with Notre Dame in February after he had several high-profile scholarship offers. James, who was 6-7 and 290 pounds, was a U.S. Army All-American at St. X this past season.
St. X coach Steve Specht had the greatest respect for James as a member of the Bombers football team throughout his outstanding high school career. "Matt didn’t like the attention," Specht told the Cincinnati Enquirer. "He was about the team. He was about everybody but Matt. He worked hard, and he practiced as hard as he played in games because he wanted to get better." Funeral arrangements were still pending as of Monday morning.
3. Sullinger shines in McDonald’s game: Columbus Northland senior center Jared Sullinger had 22 points, seven rebounds, three steals and two assists, and earned MVP honors in the McDonald’s All-American Game March 31. Sullinger, who has signed with Ohio State, was named Associated Press Ohio’s Mr. Basketball this season for the second time in his career.
4. Turpin baseball coach wins 200th game: Turpin (Cincinnati) baseball coach Rob Lubanski won his 200th career game on Wednesday, according to the Enquirer. Turpin defeated host Walnut Hills 3-0 for its second consecutive win to start the season. After Wednesday’s game, Lubanski was 200-89 in 11 seasons. Turpin next plays in a tournament at Walnut Hills on Tuesday.
5. Kelly schedules visit to Alabama today: West Chester Lakota West junior offensive lineman Ryan Kelly will take an unofficial visit to Alabama today (April 5). Kelly, who is 6-5 and 265 pounds, is one of Ohio’s top players in the 2011 class. Kelly has scholarship offers that include Illinois, Boston College, Cincinnati, Syracuse, Louisville and Indiana.
6. St. Ursula softball wins opener: St. Ursula Academy (Cincinnati) senior pitcher Megan Flenniken had 33 strikeouts as the Bulldogs defeated Clermont Northeastern 1-0 in 16 innings. Clermont Northeastern pitcher Emily Anderson had 27 strikeouts, according to the publication. St. Ursula plays at league rival Seton at 4:30 p.m. today.
Among the outstanding efforts this week
Kelley Benhase, Glen Este: The junior pitcher struck out 18 batters and threw a two-hitter as Glen Este defeated visiting Seton 6-0 in the season opener.
Joe Bolden, Cincinnati Colerain: The sophomore hit a two-run home run and a solo home run as the Cardinals defeated West Chester Lakota West 5-3 in a Greater Miami Conference opener on the West Side of Cincinnati.
Kenny Dixon, Springfield: The junior second baseman went 3-for-5 with three hits, two runs and two RBI as Springfield defeated host Kenton Ridge 11-9 in the season opener.
Looking ahead
Mason at Fairfield softball, 4:30 p.m. today: A very interesting Greater Miami Conference matchup. Mason, a perennial area power, started the season with four consecutive wins. Fairfield features senior pitcher Jaisa Fox. Mason senior pitcher Christin Miller has 20 strikeouts in her two wins.
Moeller at Elder baseball, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday: Two strong Greater Catholic League South programs compete on the West Side of Cincinnati. Moeller is the reigning Division I state champion and has six players signed with Division I college programs. Elder plays road games the rest of the week.
Loveland at Anderson baseball, 4:30 p.m. Wednesday: Anderson won its season opener over St. Xavier 9-4 and hopes to gain even more momentum with this Fort Ancient Valley Conference Buckeye division game. Loveland is led by senior infielder Adam Engel, who has signed with Louisville.
Recruiting news
Cincinnati St. Xavier junior linebacker Sean Duggan was recently offered by Ball State, Air Force and Wisconsin. Duggan, who is 6-4 and 215 pounds, also has an offer from Duke. … Mason defensive end Maison Kana signed to play at Kentucky Wesleyan. He had 36.5 tackles and 2.5 sacks last season. … Trotwood-Madison senior center Blake Cokes has signed to play women’s basketball at University of North Carolina Asheville, according to the Dayton Daily News.
Random thoughts
Princeton senior guard Jordan Sibert (an Ohio State basketball signee) would often start workouts at 5:45 a.m. and attempt 500-800 shots at the school gym before class during his high school career. Sibert was Division I first-team all-state this past season. "His success was not by accident," Princeton coach Josh Andrews said. ... Centerville boys basketball coach Jim Staley and Chaminade-Julienne boys basketball coach Joe Staley were honored by the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association during the state tournament, according to the Dayton Daily News. Jim has more than 500 career wins, while Joe has more than 400 wins, according to the publication. … West Chester Lakota West junior forward Phillip Cook was named to the Top 100 Showcase at Capital University in Columbus on April 17, according to the Pulse Journal.
