A few more details emerged this past week in the high-profile recruiting journey of some of the nation’s top uncommitted football players in the 2010 class. 
Luke Massa, St. Xavier
File photo by Wayne Litmer
Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly continued his recruiting efforts with his new staff during the past week. Notre Dame offered a scholarship to St. Xavier senior quarterback Luke Massa on Thursday, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Massa, who orally committed to Cincinnati last summer, is expected to take an official visit to Notre Dame this weekend. That’s also the same weekend St. Xavier senior OL Matt James (6-foot-7, 285 pounds) is scheduled to take an official visit to South Bend.
Massa, who threw for 1,800 yards and 16 touchdowns this past season, is expected to make a decision after his official visit to South Bend. James is expected to make his college decision the morning of National Signing Day on Feb. 3.
James, who participated in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio earlier this month, is considering Cincinnati, Ohio State and Notre Dame as his final three choices.
Meanwhile, West Chester Lakota West senior linebacker Jordan Hicks, who is rated among the nation’s top players, continues to evaluate his options. He is considering Ohio State, Texas and Florida as his final choices.
Hicks, who was the Division I state defensive co-player of the year this past season, is expected to make a college decision by Feb. 3.
Lakota West coach Larry Cox said Hicks is handling the spotlight well. Cox said he isn’t sure when Hicks will commit but said the standout has been doing well in staying focused during the process.
"He’s not your typical high-profile athlete who thinks he is God’s gift to football," Cox told the Columbus Dispatch. "He’s the kind of kid who is going to make your program better just by being on your team. He’s humble, he’s hard-working and he’s smart."
2. Black orally commits to Michigan: Wyoming senior defensive lineman Jibreel Black (6-2, 260) orally committed to Michigan this past weekend. Black, who had been orally committed to Cincinnati since late October 2009, evaluated his options after coach Brian Kelly left for Notre Dame in December. Black, who had 9½ sacks and 61 tackles this past season, was Division III first-team all-state. "He told us that he was just blown away by (Michigan’s) facilities, both athletically and academically, and it just felt right to him," Wyoming coach Bernie Barre told the Cincinnati Enquirer.
3. St. Xavier, Mason win Southwest Ohio Classic: Cincinnati St. Xavier and Mason won the boys and girls Southwest Ohio Swimming and Diving Classic recently. It was the 27th annual event, which is considered the largest high school invitational of its kind in the country. St. Xavier had 543 points, while Centerville had 343. St. X senior Alex Miller won the 1,650-yard freestyle and the 500 freestyle. On the girls’ side, Mason had 436 points, while Centerville was second with 352. Mason senior Danielle Jansen won the 500 freestyle, 100 freestyle and 100 breaststroke.
4. Donnal, Schloemer invited to Team USA roster: Anthony Wayne senior tackle Andrew Donnal (6-7, 285) and West Chester Lakota West senior tackle Kevin Schloemer (6-7, 270) have been invited to participate in the Team USA vs. The World game in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Jan. 30 at noon. USA Football is composed of 45 of the nation’s top high school seniors against a World Select team. Donnal is orally committed to Iowa, while Schloemer is orally committed to Cincinnati.
5. Miller receiving plenty of attention: Huber Heights Wayne junior Braxton Miller continues to add high-profile offers. Florida is the latest school to offer the standout. He received an offer from Alabama before Christmas break and was offered by Notre Dame recently. Miller, who has already committed to playing in the Under Armour All-America Game in 2011, is expected to wait a while before narrowing the list of college choices. "I know he wants to visit about five or six schools to make sure he makes the right choice," Wayne coach Jay Minton recently said.
Among the outstanding efforts this week
Will Satterfield, Indian Hill boys basketball: The senior guard had 24 points, six assists and two steals in the Braves’ 84-68 win over visiting Taylor. Satterfield averaged 20.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists going into last weekend.
Ashley Wanninger, Cincinnati Colerain girls basketball: The senior guard had 17 points and three rebounds in the Cardinals’ 58-19 win over visiting Fairfield. Wanninger is committed to play at Xavier University next year.
Allie Turner, Greenon girls basketball: The senior guard had 27 points, including going 10-for-10 at the free-throw line to lift Greenon past Tecumseh 58-51, according to the Dayton Daily News.
Looking ahead
Fairmont at Alter girls basketball, 7:30 p.m. Monday: This should be an excellent tuneup before the postseason for two of the premier teams in the Dayton area. Fairmont is first in the Greater Western Ohio Conference Central division with a 12-1 overall record and 5-0 in the league. Senior forward Cassie Sant averages 13.7 points and 6.5 rebounds. Alter is 13-0 overall and 5-0 in the Girls Greater Cincinnati League. The Knights are led by senior guard Ashley Christie, who averages 12.4 points and 3.6 assists. Alter is ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press Division II state poll.
Winton Woods at Walnut Hills boys basketball, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday: Winton Woods is averaging about 74 points, and this will be a tough challenge for Walnut Hills. Winton Woods senior forward Allen Payne (Auburn commit) averages 18.7 points.
Moeller at Elder wrestling, 7 p.m. Thursday: Two of the premier teams in the Cincinnati area and the Greater Catholic League South division this season. Moeller won the 49th annual All-Catholic Tournament in Cleveland, which marked the sixth consecutive year the Crusaders won the large school title. This should be a classic.
Recruiting news
Cincinnati Colerain junior fullback Trayion Durham (6-2, 230) has been offered by Minnesota. He also has an offer from Colorado. … Oak Hills senior offensive lineman Ben Schmidt has been offered by Southeast Missouri State and University of Charleston (W. Va.). … Dublin Coffman senior strong safety John Wurm (6-2, 205) has reportedly made an oral commitment to play at Eastern Illinois, according to ScoutingOhio.com.
Random thoughts
Deer Park senior Joe Bruewer recently won his 100th career match, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Bruewer, who competes at 140 pounds, had a 13-1 this season at the start of last week. He was third at the Division III state meet last season. … Archbishop Moeller senior offensive lineman Jeff Tanner has orally committed to Miami (Ohio). He had previously committed to Wake Forest last summer. … The Dave Bean Classic wrestling tournament is Jan. 30. It is one of the oldest one-day tournaments in Southwest Ohio.
