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Lakota West safety Dawson Fletcher officially signed to play football at Indiana University Feb. 1, 2012 on National Signing Day. Photo taken by Adam Kiefaber.

Unlike Lakota East, Lakota West High School hosts numerous signing ceremonies throughout the academic calendar. So far, there have been 32 seniors at Lakota West who have signed on to continue their athletic careers in college.

At Lakota East, there have been a total of 26 seniors recognized at two different signing day events in 2012.

Here is a list of all the Lakota West students who will be playing sports in college:

• Ali Zieverink – Shawnee State (basketball)
• Adrianna McNeal – Southwestern (basketball)
• Rachel Mills – Alderson Broddus Illinois College ((basketball)
• Summer Reeves – Morgan State University (basketball)
• Shabazz Reeves – Morgan State University (basketball)
• Jordan Darland – Olivet Nazarene (football)
• Blake Bell – California (PA.) (football)
• Dawson Fletcher – Indiana University (football)
• Cole Stalker – University of Findlay (football)
• Beau Odom – Georgetown College (football)
• Kayaune Ross – Fort Scott Community College (football)
• Bubba Williams – Lindsey Wilson (football)
• Evan Hodel – Wheeling Jesuit (lacrosse)
• Zach Crabtree – Wheeling Jesuit (lacrosse)
• Ali Green – Ashland (golf)
• Kim Love – Purdue University (soccer)
• Kelly Mack – Wright State (soccer)
• Lauren Pratt – Ohio Dominican (soccer)
• Malik Zuberi – Shawnee State (baseball)
• Zak Farmer – Walsh University (baseball)
• Davis Schafer – Bellarmine University (baseball)
• Mike Seaman – Trine University (baseball)
• Nick Billman – Mount St. Joseph (baseball)
• Jake Wagner – Miami-Hamilton (baseball)
• Amanda Lahti -  Ohio Northern (softball)
• Brooke Rowley – Lake Forest College (swimming)
• Brady Holmer – NKU (cross country)
• Amanda Shelby – Mount St. Joseph (cross country)
• Nathan Haynes – Navy (cross country)
• Mel Stewart – NKU (volleyball)
• Corri Muha – Georgetown College (volleyball)
• Nick Bloch – Lake Erie College (wrestling)

WestFirebirds.com, the school’s official athletic website, posts photos and details after signing ceremonies take place.

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports, Spring sports, Winter Sports |

Tags: Tags: Adrianna McNeal, Ali Green, Ali Zieverink, Amanda Lahti, Amanda Shelby, Beau Odom, Blake Bell, Brady Holmer, Brooke Rowley, Bubba Williams, Cincinnati football recruiting, Cole Stalker, Corri Muha, Davis Schafer, Dawson Fletcher, Evan Hodel, Jake Wagner, Jordan Darland, Kayaune Ross, Kelly Mack, Kim Love, Lakota West, Lakota West sports, Lauren Pratt, Malik Zuberi, Mel Stewart, Mike Seaman, Nathan Haynes, Nick Billman, Nick Bloch, ohio basketball recruiting, Ohio football recruiting, Ohio High School sports recruiting, Ohio preps recruiting, Ohio sports recruiting, Rachel Mills, recruiting, Shabazz Reeves, Summer Reeves, Zach Crabtree, Zak Farmer

During a focus group session at the Lakota Central Office Thursday, it was the students teaching Lakota administrators on how to better run the state’s seventh-largest school system.

The student-led focus group was the first of four sessions with Lakota officials, as the school district looks for more effective ways to educate its students.

“Students will tell you the truth and that is what we are looking for,” Lakota Superintendent Karen Mantia said. “We want to make sure we are responsive school system in meeting their needs. In order to do that, we need to ask them.

“This is just the tip of the ice berg.”

After the discussions with students, Mantia said that he hopes to extend an invitation for future focus groups with teachers and eventually with the community.

Among the topics covered, during the two-hour student focus group, included what ways students learn the best, how technology plays a role in their learning, what skills do they think they need to know for their future and what changes need to be made to the school system.

Lakota West senior Melody Stewart shares her opinion during a student focus group at the Lakota Central Office May 3, 2012. Photo taken by Adam Kiefaber.

“Anything that could help us with our studies should be allowed,” Lakota West senior Melody Stewart said. “If that means going on Facebook to get something, then we should be allowed to do that. If you abuse that privilege than it should be taken away, but for educational purposes we should be able to go online and search for what we need.”

Stewart, who played volleyball in the Lakota school system and will continue her athletic career at Northern Kentucky University, also thought that the school system should focus on having more extracurricular activities.

“If I didn’t play volleyball, I don’t think that would be as involved in the school today,” Stewart said. “I think these activities help students feel connected to the school district. I believe we should get students more involved and have more extracurricular activities so they can have that connection and feel what I felt.”

Another Lakota athlete, who still has two more years of high school before he graduates, worries about the change in the academic schedule when the high schools move to six-period days in the fall.

“Next year is going to be a lot harder because we only have six periods,” said Lakota West sophomore Malik Grove, who has played varsity football, basketball and bowling. “You still need to earn enough credits. I will still need another foreign language and a fine arts class. I only have two years left to get those in order to get into to a good college.”

Meanwhile, Stewart hopes Grove and other future graduates will receive the same education she received while at Lakota.

“When I leave, I don’t want to see the school district go down the drain. I want them to keep improving,” Stewart said. “My experience at Lakota was great. I feel that I am very prepared for the future and I want other students who come up to feel the same way.

“I really hope that this meeting will give the school district a lot of information to keep improving our studies … because I believe there are many things that we can to do, to better prepare students for college and the workforce.”

Posted in: Board of Education, Events, Levy news, News, School events, Schools, Sports, Student achievements |

Tags: Tags: Karen Manita, Karen Mantia, Lakota, Lakota cuts, Lakota East Sports, Lakota Local Schools, Lakota preschool, Lakota preschool program, Lakota reductions, Lakota school levy, Lakota student focus group, Lakota Superintendent Dr. Karen Mantia, Lakota Superintendent Karen Mantia, Lakota West, Lakota West sports, Malik Grove, Malik Grove Lakota West, Mel Stewart, reductions, Rich Hoffman, school levy, Superintendent Dr. Karen Mantia, superintendent Karen Mantia

Seniors Mel Stewart and Corri Muhi were each honored during a special signing ceremony at Lakota West High School Thursday. Stewart, who played libero at Lakota West has signed to play volleyball at Northern Kentucky University. Meanwhile, Muhi, who was a middle hitter for Lakota West, will play volleyball at Georgetown College (Ky.).

Stewart, who also considered West Florida, Gannon and Georgetown, was named honorable mention all-state, had 364 digs, was named first team all-GMC and Division I first team all-city by The Cincinnati Enquirer.

“They made me feel like they really wanted me to play for them,” Stewart said. “I also really liked their fast pace level of play. NKU really has a dedication to be a winning program.”

Muha, who also considered Northern Kentucky and Otterbein, has been selected to the all-GMC second team in each of the past two seasons.

“I love the small family-like feel of the campus and how nice and outgoing everyone is there,” Muhi said. “Everyone is always working to make themselves and the team better. They push and support each other to reach their goals.”

Stewart plans on studying athletic training, while Muhi is planning on studying graphic design.

Posted in: Events, Fall sports, School events, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Corri Muha, Lakota West, Lakota West sports, Lakota West volleyball, Mel Stewart, Ohio High School sports recruiting, Ohio preps recruiting, Ohio sports recruiting, recruiting

Lakota West seniors Summer and Shabazz Reeves both signed National Letters of Intent Wednesday to play basketball at Morgan State University. The twins signed with the school during a special ceremony held after school on National Signing Day.

“The twins connected instantly with what an academic and athletic opportunity at Morgan State would offer and it was awesome that the MSU is giving the girls an opportunity to stay together through college,” Lakota West girls’ basketball coach Andy Fishman said.

The Reeves twins made verbal commitments to MSU in July of 2011 after considering the University of New Hampshire, the University of Richmond and St. Francis University. In addition, Shabazz also considered playing soccer at the University of Cincinnati, while Summer had considered playing basketball at American University.

Summer averaged 9.6 points and 3.3 rebounds per game last season, while Shabazz averaged 4.2 points and 2.9 rebounds per game.

Baseball state champions can sign - The Lakota East Athletic Department announced that it would hold its signing day event in early February for all of its signees, but seniors Michael Conrad (University of Cincinnati) and Alex Corna (Ohio University) can officially sign with their colleges Wednesday. Conrad was The Enquirer Division I player of the year. Meanwhile, Moeller’s Bradley Macciochhi of West Chester is expected to sign to play baseball at Wright State University.

Lakota East tennis standout to sign with Xavier - Lakota East tennis standout Zach Mueck has committed to Xavier and will sign today, according to Lakota East coach Greg Mahlerwein. Mueck was the Division I state runner-up last spring. “I’m confident he will have an outstanding senior year here at Lakota East and that he will immediately be a valuable contributor to a talented Xavier tennis team next year,” Mahlerwein told the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Lakota volleyball standouts – Two players from Lakota West, Corri Muha (Georgetown College) and Mel Stewart (Northern Kentucky University), and two from Lakota East, Hannah Berling (Tusculum College) and Hannah Sigala (Morehead State University), can officially sign letters of intent Wednesday.

Lakota East basketball seniors – The Lakota East girls’ program could have its best basketball season ever in thanks to seniors Alyssa Grevenkamp (University of Findlay), Tazzie Shaw (Marshall University) and Whitney Wyckoff (Yale University). All three can sign with their schools Wednesday. The Thunderhawks feature other players who are currently deciding between schools.

Posted in: Events, Fall sports, School events, Sports, Spring sports, Winter Sports |

Tags: Tags: Alex Corna, Alyssa Grevenkamp, cincyhoops, cincysports, Corri Muha, girls' basketball, Hannah Berling, Hannah Sigala, Lakota East, Lakota East baseball, Lakota East basketball, Lakota East Sports, Lakota East tennis, Lakota East volleyball, Lakota West, Lakota West basketball, Lakota West sports, Lakota West volleyball, Mel Stewart, Michael Conrad, Michael Conrad Lakota East, ohio basketball recruiting, Ohio High School sports recruiting, Ohio preps recruiting, Ohio sports recruiting, recruiting, Shabazz Reeves, Summer Reeves, Tazzie Shaw, Tazzie Shaw Lakota East, Whitney Wyckoff, Zach Mueck

A total of 11 Lakota athletes are eligible to sign National Letters of Intent this upcoming Wednesday.

November’s National Signing Day is for athletes in the class of 2012 who participate in the following sports; basketball, wrestling, swimming and diving, lacrosse, volleyball, gymnastics, softball, golf, hockey, baseball and tennis.

Football and soccer players can sign in February.

From Lakota West:

Corri Muha (volleyball – Georgetown College)
Shabazz Reeves (girls’ basketball – Morgan State University)
Summer Reeves (girls’ basketball – Morgan State University)
Mel Stewart (volleyball – Northern Kentucky University)

From Lakota East:

Hannah Berling (volleyball – Tusculum College)
Alex Corna (baseball – Ohio University)
Alyssa Grevenkamp (girls’ basketball – University of Findlay)
Zach Mueck (boys’ tennis – Xavier University)
Tazzie Shaw (girls’ basketball – Marshall University)
Hannah Sigala (volleyball – Morehead State University)
Whitney Wyckoff (girls’ basketball – Yale University)

The Lakota East Athletic Department announced that it would hold its signing day event in early February for all of its signees.

Meanwhile, Lakota West has not yet planned a signing day event this November. Last year, West held a signing event in November and February, as well as others throughout the school year.

For a list of other Cincinnati area student athletes who could be signing Wednesday, visit Cincinnati.com.

Posted in: Events, Fall sports, School events, Schools, Sports, Spring sports, Winter Sports |

Tags: Tags: Alex Corna, Alyssa Grevenkamp, cincyhoops, cincysports, Corri Muha, girls' basketball, Hannah Berling, Hannah Sigala, Lakota East, Lakota East baseball, Lakota East basketball, Lakota East Sports, Lakota East tennis, Lakota East volleyball, Lakota West, Lakota West basketball, Lakota West sports, Lakota West volleyball, Mel Stewart, ohio basketball recruiting, Ohio High School sports recruiting, Ohio preps recruiting, Ohio sports recruiting, recruiting, Shabazz Reeves, Summer Reeves, Tazzie Shaw, Whitney Wyckoff, Zach Mueck

Led by junior Michelle Strizak, Mount Notre Dame handled Lakota West in the Division I regional semifinals at Tippecanoe High School Wednesday by the score of 25-15, 25-15, 25-21.

According to the Pulse Journal, Strizak, who is committed to play volleyball at the University of Illinois, had a game-high 16 kills and 28 digs.

“Strizak. She’s one of the best players in the state and she did a great job with them, but it’s also because she has a wonderful cast of players in support,” Lakota West head coach Tracey Kornau told the Pulse Journal.

“They were able to mix things up and free her up. And they don’t have a weak spot in their defense. There’s no chink in their armor that we could try and go after. We tried to frustrate them, but they played very well. We wish them well.”

For Lakota West, the loss ends what has been an impressive run for a team that graduated five standouts last spring in Taylor Anderson, Lexi Dannemiller, Shannon Breen, Liz McMahon and Morgan Jones, who all combined for 18 years of varsity experience.

Two of those players, Dannemiller (University of Michigan) and McMahon (University of Illinois), were actually considered to be among the best in the nation.

This season, Lakota West relied on the development of its younger players and the leadership of its two seniors in Mel Stewart (Northern Kentucky University) and Corri Muha (Georgetown College) to win a district title and finish second in the Greater Miami Conference.

Next season, the Firebirds will have another group of strong seniors led by juniors Annie Bierman (265 kills), Mandy Stanislovaitis (241 kills) and Rachel Cogan (183 kills), who all were ranked in the top 10 in the GMC in kills this season.

Sophomore setter Allie Muha, who was third in the GMC in assists with 630, will also return as well as 6-foot-2 sophomore Gabby Blados, who should continue to develop as a player after participating in the sport for the first time last season.

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Allie Muha, Corri Muha, Delany Wilder, Gabby Blados, Lakota West, Lakota West sports, Lakota West volleyball, Lexi Dannemiller, Liz McMahon, Mandy Stanislovaitis, Mel Stewart, Morgan Jones, Ohio regional volleyball tournament, Ohio state volleyball tournament, Rachel Cogan, Shannon Breen, Taylor Anderson, Tracey Kornau, volleyball

The athletic departments at Lakota West and Lakota East high schools recently named their athletes of the week. Sophomore Mikel Horton and junior Leeah Floyd received the honor at Lakota East, while sophomore Tyler Jones and senior Mel Stewart were honored at Lakota West.

Horton has rushed for 296 yards and six touchdowns on 55 carries this fall for the Thunderhawks, who are 2-1 this season. He earned the athlete of the week honor after rushing for 118 yards and two touchdowns in the 38-37 four-overtime win at Winton Woods. In his first varsity start this season, Horton (photo) rushed for 161 yards and three touchdowns on 22 carries.

Floyd has been a member of the Lakota East tennis team since her freshman year. This fall, she is 10-2 at No. 1 doubles with partner senior Sofey Fugate. As a team, with the help of Floyd and Fugate, Lakota East is 10-2 overall and 5-0 in the Greater Miami Conference. Last fall, Floyd/Fugate made the GMC First Team at No. 2 doubles.

Jones helped Lakota West win its first football game of the season this past Friday. In the 20-16 win at Anderson, Jones threw for 174 yards and three touchdowns. This is Jones first varsity season and he has started at quarterback in all three games for the Firebirds.

Stewart continued to add to her school record for career digs last week. The senior had 14 digs in a 25-9, 25-10, 25-8 win against Colerain Thursday. Not counting this past weekend’s tri, Stewart is averaging 16.75 digs per match. This summer, Stewart verbally committed to play volleyball for Northern Kentucky University.

Photo taken by Barb Trimble of Trimble Photography. For pictures of Lakota East sporting events visit her website, www.trimphoto.com

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: athletes of the week, Lakota East, Lakota East athletics, Lakota East football, Lakota East Sports, Lakota West, Lakota West athletics, Lakota West football, Lakota West sports, Leeah Floyd, Mel Stewart, Mikel Horton, Sofey Fugate, Tyler Jones

This past school year, Lakota West head coach Tracey Kornau saw five of her most experienced players graduate from her back-to-back Greater Miami Conference championship team. Those standouts, Taylor Anderson, Lexi Dannemiller, Shannon Breen, Liz McMahon and Morgan Jones, combined for 18 years of experience.

Two of those players, Dannemiller (University of Michigan) and McMahon (University of Illinois), were actually considered to be among the best in the nation.

>>>FEATURE STORY ABOUT DANNEMILLER AND MCMAHON<<<

“Losing five, in general, is a huge number and losing the five that we did … definitely hurts,” Kornau said. “That is going to take a bite out, but if there is any lesson into last year’s season was that we learned to play without them (injuries to Dannemiller and McMahon), so that helped a little bit.”

However, this year’s team is lacking varsity experience and will have to rely heavily on the leadership of seniors Mel Stewart and Corri Muha if it intends on winning its third consecutive GMC title this fall.

“I have always been the baby because we have always had those seniors with us. Now that they are not here, you almost feel like someone is missing,” Muha said of the five standouts, who graduated in 2011.

>>>PHOTOS OF LAKOTA WEST VOLLEYBALL PRACTICE<<<

Due to a pair of knee surgeries over the summer, the normally quiet Muha has had to take on the role of “coach.”

“Now that I am not going to be able to be on the court, I am going to have to be more vocal and instructing more,” said Muha, who is expected to miss at least the first week of the season. (more…)

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Allie Muha, Corri Muha, Delany Wilder, Donna Street, Gabby Blados, Lakota West, Lakota West sports, Lakota West volleyball, Lexi Dannemiller, Lexi Duello, Liz McMahon, Mandy Stanislovaitis, Mel Stewart, Morgan Jones, Rachel Cogan, Sara Rudokas, Shannon Breen, Taylor Anderson, Tracey Kornau, volleyball

Lakota West senior student athletes Mel Stewart, Summer Reeves and Shabazz Reeves have recently made verbal commitments to continue their athletic careers in college.

Stewart, who is 5-foot-6 libero, committed to play volleyball for Northern Kentucky University. Last season, as a junior, Stewart led the Greater Miami Conference with 406 digs and was named All-GMC First Team.

“I couldn’t be happier for Mel,” Lakota West head coach Tracey Kornau told Westfirebirds.com. “NKU is a great volleyball school with a tradition of defensive excellence. Within a few years they will be making the jump to Division I and Mel will get to be a part of that. She will be able to play and contribute. This is a good fit for her.”

Fellow seniors-to-be Summer and Shabazz Reeves have both verbally committed to play basketball for Morgan State University, according Lakota West head girls’ basketball coach Andy Fishman.

“The twins connected instantly with what an academic and athletic opportunity at Morgan State would offer and it was awesome that the MSU is giving the girls an opportunity to stay together through college,” Fishman told Westfirebirds.com.

The twins also considered the University of New Hampshire, the University of Richmond and St. Francis University. In addition, Shabazz also considered playing soccer at the University of Cincinnati, while Summer had considered playing basketball at American University.

Summer averaged 9.6 points and 3.3 rebounds per game last season, while Shabazz averaged 4.2 points and 2.9 rebounds per game.

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports, Winter Sports |

Tags: Tags: basketball, girls' basketball, Lakota West, Lakota West basketball, Lakota West sports, Lakota West volleyball, Mel Stewart, Ohio High School sports recruiting, Ohio preps recruiting, Ohio sports recruiting, recruiting, Shabazz Reeves, Summer Reeves, volleyball