With less than 48 hours until National Signing Day, there is plenty going on to keep college football fans attached to the latest recruiting news in the online world.
While West Chester Lakota West senior linebacker Jordan Hicks – considered the top college recruit in Ohio’s 2010 class – ended the drama with his selection to Texas last week – there are still other top-rated players who are still uncommitted as of Monday morning.
Cincinnati St. Xavier senior offensive lineman Matt James (6-foot-7, 285 pounds) has the most significant spotlight as he plans to decide early Wednesday morning between Notre Dame and Ohio State. James also recently considered Cincinnati, but has narrowed it to two college choices.
Luke Massa, St. Xavier
File photo by Wayne Litmer
The Notre Dame and Cincinnati story lines continued this weekend as St. Xavier senior quarterback Luke Massa (6-5, 205) orally committed to Notre Dame on Sunday morning. Massa previously made an oral commitment to Cincinnati last summer when Brian Kelly was the coach of the Bearcats.
Other key players in Southwest Ohio such as Winton Woods senior quarterback Dominique Brown and Middletown senior defensive end Rashad Frazier were still considering their options. Both were expected to decide by today.
High school seniors are allowed to sign National Letters of Intent starting Wednesday for football, field hockey, soccer, track and field, cross country and men’s water polo.
2. Hicks commits to Texas: West Chester Lakota West senior linebacker Jordan Hicks orally committed to Texas last week. He announced his decision at a news conference Friday in front of several TV cameras, reporters, friends, family and teammates. Hicks had also considered Ohio State and Florida among his final choices. Hicks was considered the top prized recruit from Ohio in the 2010 class.
3. Ursuline continues to win: The Cincinnati Ursuline girls basketball team brought its record to 15-1 with a 45-28 win over St. Ursula last week. Ursuline defeated Mount Notre Dame 49-47 on Jan. 26. It was the first time Ursuline defeated MND since the 2001-02 season. MND has won four consecutive Division I state titles. Ursuline (15-1, 6-1 Girls Greater Cincinnati League Scarlet division) is led by senior forward Desirae Ball, a Saint Louis commit who averages 13.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals. Ursuline plays the first of three consecutive home games on Tuesday when it plays Seton at 7:30 p.m.
4. La Salle defeats Moeller: Cincinnati La Salle defeated league rival Moeller 60-49 in a Greater Catholic League boys basketball game Friday night in suburban Cincinnati. La Salle was led by junior guard Ryan Fleming (16 points, six rebounds) and junior forward Brandon Neel (15 points). La Salle (12-2, 5-2 GCL-South) moved within one game of Moeller (12-3, 6-1) in the South division. Both schools tied for the division title last season. La Salle plays host to Winton Woods in a highly anticipated game at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.
5. Grace continues to add offers: Cincinnati Colerain junior middle linebacker Jarrett Grace (6-4, 230) continues to be a strong name to watch in the 2011 class. Grace already has eight scholarship offers at the start of this month. Grace, a Cincinnati Enquirer Division I all-area standout during the 2009 season, had 94 tackles (13 for loss), one sack, two forced fumbles and two interceptions for the Cardinals this past season. He has offers that include Cincinnati, Boston College, Northwestern, West Virginia, Notre Dame, Indiana, Colorado and North Carolina State. He could receive an offer from Ohio State this spring.
Among the outstanding efforts this week
Sharice Clark, Lockland girls basketball: The senior center had a school-record 25 rebounds as Lockland defeated SCPA 63-28 on Jan. 25. After the game, Clark was eight rebounds shy from 1,000 in her high school career.
Keya Neeley, Purcell Marian girls basketball: The senior center had a game-high 29 points to lead Purcell Marian past Clark Montessori 64-26. Neeley also had 11 rebounds and two blocks. It was the fourth time Neeley scored more than 25 points this season.
Trae Broadnax, Liberty Township Lakota East boys basketball: The senior forward had 18 points, 13 rebounds, a steal and a block in the Thunderhawks' 47-39 loss to Cincinnati Princeton.
Looking ahead
Roger Bacon at Chaminade-Julienne, boys basketball, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday: These are the league leaders in their respective divisions of the Greater Catholic League. Chaminade-Julienne (12-2, 5-1) is in first place of the North division, while Roger Bacon (11-3, 7-1) is in first place of the Central division. Roger Bacon has won eight consecutive games. Chaminade-Julienne senior forward Joe Staley averages 18 points, while Roger Bacon senior guard Jorian Hudson averages 15.1 points.
Princeton at Colerain girls basketball, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday: These two Greater Miami Conference teams are among the best in the Cincinnati area. Princeton is 15-2 and has won seven consecutive games. Colerain is 13-3 and has won five consecutive games. Princeton is led by senior guard Kayla Joiner, who averages 13.2 points. Colerain is led by senior guard Ashley Wanninger, who averages 15.7 points. She is committed to Xavier University.
Greater Miami Conference swimming and diving meet, Friday and Saturday: The annual conference meet begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday with diving at Mason High School. Swimming begins at 1:45 p.m. Saturday. Look for Mason to be a strong contender.
Recruiting news
Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy senior punter John Lloyd orally committed to the University of Cincinnati. Lloyd was Division V all-state this past season. He also considered Louisville. …Winton Woods senior safety Avery Cunningham (6 feet, 192 pounds) orally committed to Central Michigan. He was the Fort Ancient Valley Conference Buckeye Division Defensive Player of the Year. …Middletown senior defensive back Jerry Gates (6-0, 190) recently made an oral commitment to play at Bowling Green. He was Division I first-team all-state this past season.
Random thoughts
Clayton Northmont will honor boys assistant basketball coach Jim Ehler on Feb. 12 as the Thunderbolts play Huber Heights Wayne, according to the Dayton Daily News. Ehler will retire from a long coaching career after this season, according to the publication. … Winton Woods junior linebacker Antonio Poole was offered by Bowling Green last week. Poole, who is 6-1 and 225 pounds, also has an offer from Cincinnati. … Turpin senior linebacker Matt Kelly has committed to the University of Charleston. He had 63 tackles this past season.
