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Nine Lakota East student athletes were honored during a signing day event at Lakota East High School May 16, 2012. Photo taken by Adam Kiefaber of WestChesterBuzz.com.

Lakota East High School honored nine student athletes Wednesday during its spring signing day event. Among those recognized include Jacob Landers (Baldwin Wallace College, wrestling), Ivan Thomas (Kentucky Christian University, football), Tyler Overberg (College of Mount St. Joseph, golf), Morgan Weinheimer (University of Mississippi, volleyball), Jeff Mundy Jr. (Kentucky Christian University, football), Tanner Lyons (Centre College, track and field), Aleth Pashi (Otterbein University, basketball), Jacqui Tackett (Mount St. Joseph, lacrosse) and Molly Blomer (Nova Southeastern University, basketball).

“It was awesome. I was excited to see all my friends sign,” said Weinheimer, who was also considering Wright State University and Xavier University, among others. “It’s exciting because I want to see them do big things.”

The 5’4″ Weinheimer, who played the libero position for the Thunderhawks, was a first team All-GMC selection in 2011. She also led the GMC with 5.34 digs per game.

Her senior volleyball classmates, Hannah Berling (Tusculum College), Hannah Sigala (Morehead State University), Lauren Beitel (Otterbein) and Emily Bostian (Otterbein) were all honored at a signing day event Feb. 1. In addition to the seniors, junior teammates Ali Lake (Ohio University) and Ashley Evans (Purdue University) have verbally committed to programs.

Joining Weinheimer at Wednesday’s signing were basketball players Aleth Pashi and Molly Blomer. In February, their teammates Alyssa Grevenkamp (University of Findlay) and Whitney Wyckoff (Yale University) were also recognized.

Also on Wednesday, two senior football players, offensive lineman Ivan Thomas and defensive back Jeff Mundy Jr., signed on to play at the same college – Kentucky Christian University.

“They (KCU) are going to receive two good players, two good people and hopefully they will leave the program better than they left it,” Lakota East head football coach Rick Haynes said.

“It is always great to see guys forward their careers and move on to the next level. I think, both of them, as long as they put in the time and effort are going to have success.”

Other Lakota East senior student athletes, who were recognized for continuing their athletic careers in college in February, include Zach Mueck (Xavier, tennis) Michael Conrad (University of Cincinnati, baseball), Alex Corna (Ohio, baseball), Michaela Buczek (Mount St. Joseph, lacrosse), Ainsely Ellison (Hillsdale College, softball), Sofey Fugate (Heidelberg University, tennis), Jessika Hall (Michigan State University, swimming), Tori Meyer (Albright College, lacrosse), Mark Minch (Ohio Dominican University, basketball), Tony O’Connor (Northern Kentucky University, cross country/track) and Joe Postlewait (Walsh University, lacrosse)

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

Tags: Tags: Ainsely Ellison, Aleth Pashi, Alex Corna, Alyssa Grevenkamp, cincyhoops, cincysports, Corri Muha, Emily Bostian, girls' basketball, Hannah Berling, Hannah Sigala, Ivan Thomas, Jacob Landers, Jeff Mundy Jr., Jessika Hall, Lakota East, Lakota East baseball, Lakota East basketball, Lakota East Sports, Lakota East tennis, Lakota East volleyball, Lauren Beitel, Mark Minch, Michael Conrad, Michael Conrad Lakota East, Michaela Buczek, Molly Blomer, Morgan Weinheimer, National Signing Day, ohio basketball recruiting, Ohio High School sports recruiting, Ohio preps recruiting, Ohio sports recruiting, recruiting, Signing Day Lakota East, Sofey Fugate, Tony O'Connor, Tori Meyer, Tyler Overberg, Whitney Wyckoff, Zach Mueck

To let West Chester and Liberty Township residents catch up with the news that they need to know, WestChesterBuzz.com will list and link to all of last week’s top local stories every Monday morning. (Stories are listed in order of date)

West Chester Police identify passengers in fatal crash: Two people, who were killed in a strange crash Jan. 29 were identified and both tested positive for alcohol, according to information provided by the West Chester Police Department last Monday. The men, German Francisco Mejia-Rodriguez and Jorge Rosalio Rodriguez Lopez, are believed to have died from blunt-impact injuries and may have been dead for more than four hours by the time the wreckage was discovered.

Liberty Town Square gets key go-ahead: Liberty Town Square, billed as the largest retail development ever in Butler County, cleared a key hurdle this past Monday when county commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding. The $300 million project, with its promise of 3,200 jobs during construction and another 4,600 permanent jobs for people who work there when shops open, languished for several years because of the economy.

Steel beams installed by J&B Steel being examined: The Cincinnati Enquirer reported last Tuesday that steel beams fabricated by a Jackson, Miss., firm and installed by J&B Steel Erectors Inc. of West Chester will be examined as part of dual investigations into the collapse Jan. 27 of the future Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati. Investigators are trying to determine why a steel beam supporting a section of the second floor collapsed while cement workers poured concrete on sheet metal on top of it.

Lakota student athletes honored on Signing Day: A total 30 seniors from Lakota high schools were honored on National Signing Day last Wednesday. Signing Day marks the first day high school football, soccer and cross country athletes can sign letters of intent. Many high schools across the country, like Lakota East and Lakota West, hosted special signing ceremonies throughout the week.

Lakota West upsets Lakota East: Down by a point with 10 seconds to go, Lakota East missed two shots as the game clock expired in a 40-39 loss to rival Lakota West Wednesday. The Firebirds’ win snapped a three-game losing steak against Lakota East. Prior to Lakota East’s three-game winning streak, Lakota West had taken down the Thunderhawks in 18 straight contests.

Lakota proceeds with $9 million in cuts: Before Lakota Schools can tackle its looming budget shortfall, all officials need to be on the same page – especially administrators and the governing board, said Superintendent Karen Mantia. Mantia, at last Wednesday’s board meeting, asked for clarification as to whether its five members agree that cutting $9 million to balance next school year’s budget is the way to go. After board discussion, members agreed and unanimously voted to order Mantia’s administration to proceed with planning the $9 million in reductions.

Anniversary of VOA marks beginning of national museum: Voice of America, which sent its original broadcast overseas 70 years ago this month, will see backers of its first-built transmitting station begin fundraising this year to become a national museum. Once restoration is completed in the spring, it will be up to the museum’s board of directors to raise approximately $12 million to make it a revenue generating landmark.

Lakota West knocks off Mason, 73-65: Senior wing Jackson Blue calmly hit two free throws with 45 seconds, as the Firebirds held on to upset Mason 73-65 last Friday night at Mason. The win moved Lakota West into a four-way tie for second place in the Greater Miami Conference. The Firebirds have won three games in a row and have three more to play until the regular season is over.

Posted in: Sports, Winter Sports |

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After faxing seven national letters of intent for Lakota West football players, the high school honored six other future college athletes during a special afterschool signing ceremony Thursday.

During the ceremony, families, friends, classmates and coaches gathered to congratulate Ali Green (golf – Ashland University), Kim Love (soccer – Purdue University), Kelly Mack (soccer – Wright State University), Lauren Pratt (soccer – Ohio Dominican University), Brady Holmer (cross country – Northern Kentucky) and Amanda Shelby (cross country – Mount St. Joseph).

Green, who selected Ashland over Western Illinois, Ball State and Marshall, was named first team all-state this fall after finishing fourth at the Division I girls’ golf state tournament in Columbus. She was also selected to the Division I all-city first team by The Cincinnati Enquirer and first team all-GMC. Green says: “They have a great golf program, the education program is excellent, and it’s not too far from home and they have the No. 1 ranked college cafeteria in the country. Ashland is a nationally ranked program that consistently finishes around the top of their conference.” In college, Green plans on studying special education.

Love, who selected Purdue over Dayton and Miami, was also selected Division I all-city first team by The Cincinnati Enquirer and first team all-GMC. She will join 2010 Lakota West graduate Alex Azeez at Purdue. Love says: “When I went to visit Purdue, I just knew that it was the school I wanted to be at. The campus was beautiful and the team made me feel welcome right away. The coaches really care about their players. They make sure that the player’s health is well monitored and they provide their players with every opportunity to succeed on and off the field.” In college, Love plans on studying biomedical or chemical engineering.

Mack, who selected Wright State over Cincinnati, Dayton and Xavier, was selected second team all-GMC and on the GMC all-academic team this past fall. Mack says: “I loved the coaches and it is a great college atmosphere. They all care about each other like family. They focus and are successful, but still enjoy the game.” In college, Mack plans on studying athletic training.

• Lakota West’s Dawson Fletcher signs with Indiana
• Photos: Lakota West football Signing Day
• Photos: Lakota East Signing Day

Pratt, who selected Ohio Dominican over Dayton and Miami, was named girls’ soccer athlete of the year in the GMC this past fall. Pratt was also selected to the Division I all-city first team by The Cincinnati Enquirer and first team all-GMC. Pratt says: “ODU is a great academic fit for me. The campus is very small and it is easy to get around quickly. The coaching staff is wonderful and I like how the program has developed. When I went on my visit, the coaching staff and the players made me feel welcomed and a part of the team.” In college, Pratt plans on studying sports management or business.

Holmer, who selected NKU over Ohio and Mt. Union, was named boys’ cross country athlete of the year in the GMC this past fall. He was also selected to the Division I all-city first team by The Cincinnati Enquirer and first team all-GMC. Holmer says: “The cross country program has promise and NKU is growing faster than any other college. I loved the coach and his philosophy.” In college, he plans on studying exercise physiology.

Shelby, who selected Mount St. Joes over NKU, Wright State and Wilmington was selected twice to the all-academic team in Ohio by the Ohio Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches. She has also been granted the GMC’s all-academic award three times and has been named the Butler County runner of the year twice. Shelby says: “The Mount has a great physical therapy program. I will be able to get an education in the career of my choice as well as continue running. Also, I am very impressed with their coach. I really look forward to running on her team at the collegiate level.” After college, Shelby wants to be a cross country coach.

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Amanda Shelby, Brady Holmer, Kelly Mack, Kim Love, Lakota West, Lakota West cross country, Lakota West golf, Lakota West soccer, Lakota West sports, Lauren Pratt, National Signing Day, Ohio High School sports recruiting, Ohio preps recruiting, Ohio sports recruiting, Signing Day Lakota West

After verbally committing in June, Lakota West safety Dawson Fletcher made it official when his signed national letter of intent was faxed to Indiana University on Signing Day Wednesday morning.

“I never thought I would be going to Indiana, but I was just in the right place at the right time,” Fletcher said.

The right time and place was an IU summer camp where Fletcher impressed head coach Kevin Wilson.

“Dawson’s was as impressive or the most impressive kid we had in camp last year – running, jumping, change of direction,” Wilson said.

“We’ve got him as maybe a safety-type, but you watch him run and he might be a corner when he gets here because he’s not so big that he can’t run, but you can see physically he will come up and tackle very well.”

• Video highlights of Lakota West S Dawson Fletcher
• Photos: Lakota West football Signing Day
• Photos: Lakota East Signing Day

It was Fletcher’s versatility that also impressed IU defensive coordinator Doug Mallory.

“To be able to recruit a defensive back that has that versatility just makes him more marketable,” Mallory said. “To be physical enough to play safety, but athletic enough to play corner, I like that combination. Those kids are hard to find.”

It didn’t take long for Wilson and Mallory to decide to offer a scholarship to Fletcher, who at the time didn’t have one.

However, after performing well at earlier summer camps, Fletcher was expecting to receive offers from the University of Toledo and Ohio University. Even though more offers appeared to be on way, Fletcher quickly gave his verbal commitment and became an instant IU fan.

“It was exciting, but surreal the same time because it wasn’t long ago that I was still watching college football and thinking that it is so far away,” Fletcher said. “Then when you are a senior in high school you almost don’t believe it. I am just blessed that I have this opportunity.”

This past fall, Fletcher was second on Lakota West in total tackles with 70. The all-GMC first teamer also had 5.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception that he returned 77 yards, 3 pass breakups and 1 forced fumble.

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Dawson Fletcher, Dawson Fletcher highlights, football videos, Lakota West, Lakota West football, Lakota West football highlights, Lakota West football video, Lakota West sports, National Signing Day, Ohio football recruiting, Ohio High School sports recruiting, Ohio preps recruiting, Ohio sports recruiting, Ohio State football

A total of seven Lakota West student athletes signed and had their letters of intent faxed to colleges on National Signing Day Wednesday.

“When you have these kids signing out, what a great opportunity for their lives and I am not talking about football. They have all been given an opportunity to give themselves such a step up in life,” Lakota West head coach Larry Cox said.

“Today is about winning and they won through their academics and their athletics. They have proven themselves worthy to the level, which is one step away from the pros, to play football again. How can you not be excited about that?”

Headlining the 2012 Lakota West class of seniors was Indiana University signee Dawson Fletcher, who verbally committed to IU prior to this fall’s high school season.

Fellow senior defensive players lineman Blake Bell (California University of Penn.), linebacker Jordan Darland (Olivet Nazarene University), linebacker Cole Stalker (University of Findlay) will also continue their football careers at the next level.

• Video highlights of Lakota West S Dawson Fletcher
• Video highlights of Lakota West DE Blake Bell
• Video highlights of Lakota West LB Jordan Darland
• Video highlights of Lakota West LB Cole Stalker
• Video highlights of Lakota West DL/OL Beau Odom
• Video highlights of Lakota West WR Bubba Williams
• Video highlights of Lakota West WR Kayaune Ross
• Video highlights of Lakota West RB Marcus Davis

Offensively, lineman Beau Odom (Georgetown College), wide receiver Bubba Williams (photo – Lindsey Wilson College) and wide receiver Kayaune Ross (Fort Scott Community College) will also play football in college.

The 6-foot-3 200-pound Ross provided matchup problems for other teams in the Greater Miami Conference in 2011, averaging 25.6 yards per catch. Overall, Ross finished with 14 catches for 358 yards and six touchdowns. For his play, Ross was named second team all-GMC and earned him attention from many Division I scouts, according to Cox.

“Fort Scott is in the Kansas JUCOs, which is the toughest in the nation,” Cox said. “They will sign out 10-to-12 Division I players per year. He has a great opportunity and he is very humble and grateful for it.”

This week, two former Fort Scott players who went on to sign with the University of South Florida, will be playing in the Super Bowl. Both players, linebacker Jacquian Williams (78 total tackles in 2011 as a rookie) and Pro Bowl defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (86 total tackles, 16.5 sacks in 2011), are key contributors on the New York Giants’ defense.

In addition to the signees, according to Cox, Lakota West senior running back Marcus Davis will be a preferred walk-on or possibly a greyshirt at Murray State University. Davis rushed for 1,118 yards in the fall and is third in school history in career rushing yards.

(WestChesterBuzz.com will post a separate story on Dawson Fletcher soon with comments from the IU coaching staff)

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Beau Odom, Beau Odom football highlights, Blake Bell, Blake Bell highlights, Cole Stalker, Cole Stalker highlights, Dawson Fletcher, Dawson Fletcher highlights, football videos, Jordan Darland, Jordan Darland highlights, Kayaune Ross, Kayaune Ross football highlights, Lakota West, Lakota West football, Lakota West football highlights, Lakota West football video, Lakota West sports, Marcu Davis highlights, Marcus Davis, National Signing Day, Ohio football recruiting, Ohio High School sports recruiting, Ohio preps recruiting, Ohio sports recruiting, Ohio State football

A total of 17 seniors, who will compete in nine different sports in college, were honored during a special signing ceremony at Lakota East High School on National Signing Day Wednesday.

“The neat thing about this morning is that just about every program we have is represented,” Lakota East Athletic Director Richard Bryant said.

“(The large class) legitimizes what we do as a public school system in making sure we put our kids in position to be successful and be able to continue what they want to do and follow their academic pursuits.”

Before college, there is one Lakota East senior who still believes he has plenty to prove on the high school level after losing in the tennis state singles final the past two seasons.

“It is more of a focus than it has been in the past few years because it is my last chance,” Xavier signee Zach Mueck said.

Mueck, who was selected as The Cincinnati Enquirer’s tennis player of the year last spring, was also considering the University of Kentucky, Ohio State University and the University of Notre Dame.

While Mueck came up short last season, his classmates Michael Conrad and Alex Conrad were key contributors in Lakota East’s first state championship in a varsity sport.

Like Mueck, Conrad was named player of the year in his sport by The Cincinnati Enquirer. In 2011, he finished the year with a 5-1 record, a 1.11 earned run average and tied a Lakota school district record with 115 strikeouts.

“I am excited to finish out the season and hopefully do as well as we did last year, but I also can’t wait to get down there and play at a higher level,” Conrad said. “I feel that I am ready for it.”

His best friend and teammate, Alex Corna who will be playing ball at Ohio University, finished the year with a .381 batting average and a team-leading .532 on-base percentage.

Joining Mueck, Conrad and Corna as honorees during Wednesday’s ceremony were fellow athletic standouts Lauren Beitel (volleyball – Otterbein University), Hannah Berling (volleyball – Tusculum College) Emily Bostian (volleyball – Otterbein), Michaela Buczek (lacrosse – College of Mount St. Joseph), Ainsely Ellison (softball – Hillsdale College), Sofey Fugate (tennis – Heidelberg University), Alyssa Grevenkamp (basketball – University of Findlay), Jessika Hall (swimming – Michigan State University), Tori Meyer (lacrosse – Albright College), Mark Minch (basketball – Ohio Dominican University), Tony O’Connor (cross country/track – Northern Kentucky University), Joe Postlewait (lacrosse – Walsh University), Hannah Sigala (volleyball – Morehead State University) and Whitney Wyckoff (basketball – Yale University).

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

Tags: Tags: Ainsely Ellison, Alyssa Grevenkamp, Emily Bostian, Hannah Sigala, Jessika Hall, Lakota East, Lakota East Sports, Lauren Beitel, Mark Minch, Michaela Buczek, National Signing Day, Neil Recker, Ohio High School sports recruiting, Ohio preps recruiting, Ohio sports recruiting, Peair Foster, Signing Day Lakota East, Sofey Fugate, Tony O’Connor, Tori Meyer, Whitney Wyckoff, Zach Mueck

Both Lakota West and Lakota East high schools will host special signing ceremonies Wednesday on National Signing Day to honor student athletes that will be playing sports in college. WestChesterBuzz.com will post updates, stories and pictures throughout the day.

At Lakota East Wednesday morning, 15 student athletes in sports that include volleyball, lacrosse, baseball, softball, tennis, basketball, swimming, cross country and track will be honored.

Among those who will be honored at Lakota East include Lauren Beitel (volleyball – Otterbein University), Emily Bostian (volleyball – Otterbein), Michaela Buczek (lacrosse – College of Mount St. Joseph), Michael Conrad (baseball – University of Cincinnati), Alex Corna (baseball – Ohio University), Ainsely Ellison (softball – Hillsdale College), Sofey Fugate (tennis – Heidelberg University), Alyssa Grevenkamp (basketball – University of Findlay), Jessika Hall (swimming – Michigan State University), Tori Meyer (lacrosse – Albright College), Mark Minch (basketball – Ohio Dominican University), Zach Mueck (tennis – Xavier University), Tony O’Connor (cross country/track – Northern Kentucky University), Hannah Sigala (volleyball – Morehead State University) and Whitney Wyckoff (basketball – Yale University).

Meanwhile, also Wednesday morning, Lakota West will host a signing event for football players. Currently, six seniors have verbally committed to college including Dawson Fletcher (Indiana University), defensive end Blake Bell (University of California, Penn.), linebacker Jordan Darland (Olivet Nazarene University), linebacker Cole Stalker (University of Findlay), offensive lineman Beau Odom (Georgetown College) and wide receiver Kayaune Ross (Fort Scott Community College).

That group, along with running back Marcus Davis, wide receiver Bubba Williams, cornerback Peair Foster, safety Antonio Darden and offensive lineman Neil Recker can officially sign with their school of choice Wednesday.

Later in the day, the Greater Miami Conference will hold its annual football signing press conference at 1 p.m. at the Wingate Inn/Meridian Conference Center, 7500 Tylers Place Blvd., in West Chester. The event is open to the public.

Meanwhile, during Thursday’s afternoon ceremony at Lakota West, the following student athletes will be honored: Kim Love (soccer – Purdue University), Kelly Mack (soccer – Wright State University), Lauren Pratt (soccer – Ohio Dominican University), Brady Holmer (cross country – Northern Kentucky) and Amanda Shelby (cross country – Mount St. Joseph).

In November, basketball, baseball and volleyball players were able to sign national letters of intent. Back then, the following students from Lakota West signed: Summer Reeves (basketball – Morgan State University), Shabazz Reeves (basketball – Morgan State), Corri Muha (volleyball – Georgetown College) and Mel Stewart (volleyball – Northern Kentucky University).

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

Tags: Tags: Ainsely Ellison, Alyssa Grevenkamp, Amanda Shelby, Antonio Darden, Beau Odom, Blake Bell, Brady Holmer, Bubba Williams, Cole Stalker, Dawson Fletcher, Emily Bostian, Hannah Sigala, Jessika Hall, Kelly Mack, Kim Love, Lakota East, Lakota East Sports, Lakota West, Lakota West sports, Lauren Beitel, Lauren Pratt, Marcus Davis, Mark Minch, Michael Conrad, Michaela Buczek, National Signing Day, Neil Recker, Ohio football recruiting, Ohio High School sports recruiting, Ohio preps recruiting, Ohio sports recruiting, Ohio State football, Peair Foster, Signing Day Lakota East, Signing Day Lakota West, Sofey Fugate, Tony O’Connor, Tori Meyer, Whitney Wyckoff, Zach Mueck

Senior offensive lineman Beau Odom and senior wide receiver Kayaune Ross have verbally committed to play football in college Tuesday. Odom decided on Georgetown College, while Ross will continue his career at Fort Scott Community College.

Odom and Ross bring up the total of Lakota West seniors verbally committed to play football in college to six. The other four committed seniors include safety Dawson Fletcher (Indiana University), defensive end Blake Bell (University of California, Penn.), linebacker Jordan Darland (Olivet Nazarene University) and linebacker Cole Stalker (University of Findlay).

• Video highlights of Lakota West DL/OL Beau Odom
• Video highlights of Lakota West WR Kayaune Ross

That group, along with running back Marcus Davis, wide receiver Bubba Williams, cornerback Peair Foster, safety Antonio Darden and offensive lineman Neil Recker could sign with their school of choice Wednesday on National Signing Day.

Odom chose Georgetown over St. Joseph College (Ind.) and Ohio Dominican University, according to Lakota West head coach Larry Cox. Last season, the 6-foot-2 295-pound Odom played both ways. On defense, Odom registered 10.5 tackles and had a fumble recovery at limited time at defensive tackle. Odom was selected first team all-Greater Miami Conference for his play on the offensive line.

Meanwhile, Ross selected Fort Scott Community College (Kan.) over Hutchinson Community College and Iowa Central Community College. The football program at Fort Scott has a rich tradition of helping players sign with Division I football teams.

This week, two former Fort Scott players who went on to sign with the University of South Florida, will be playing in this week’s Super Bowl. Both players, linebacker Jacquian Williams (78 total tackles in 2011 as a rookie) and Pro Bowl defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (86 total tackles, 16.5 sacks in 2011), are key players on the New York Giants’ defense.

The 6-foot-3 200-pound Ross gave defenses in the GMC fits in 2011, averaging 25.6 yards per catch. Overall, Ross finished with 14 catches for 358 yards and six touchdowns. For his play, Ross was named second team all-GMC.

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Beau Odom, Beau Odom football highlights, Kayaune Ross, Kayaune Ross football highlights, Lakota West, Lakota West football, Lakota West football highlights, Lakota West football video, Lakota West sports, National Signing Day, Ohio football recruiting, Ohio High School sports recruiting, Ohio preps recruiting, Ohio sports recruiting, Ohio State football

Lakota West defensive end Blake Bell and linebackers Jordan Darland and Cole Stalker verbally committed to play football in college Sunday. Bell decided on the University of California of Pennsylvania, Darland picked Olivet Nazarene University and Stalker chose the University of Findlay.

Bell selected Cal U (California, Penn.) over St. Joseph College (Ind.), University of Indianapolis and Ohio Dominican University. The 6-foot 260-pound defensive end finished the season with a team high 14 tackles for loss, including 2 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. Bell has been named a captain at Lakota West and an all-Greater Miami Conference selection twice. This season, he was selected first team all-GMC and honorable mention all-city by The Cincinnati Enquirer.

Meanwhile, Darland chose Olivet Nazarene (Bourbonnais, Ill.) over Malone University, Georgetown College, Duquesne University, among others. The senior, who led the Greater Miami Conference in total tackles with 107, recorded 13 tackles for loss, a sack, an interception and forced 5 fumbles in 2011. For his performance, he was named second team all-GMC and an all-city honorable mention by The Cincinnati Enquirer.

• Video highlights of Lakota West LB Jordan Darland
• Video highlights of Lakota West FS Dawson Fletcher



• Video highlights of Lakota West DE Blake Bell
• Video highlights of Lakota West LB Cole Stalker

Stalker selected Findlay over St. Joseph’s (Ind.) College, Robert Morris University, Georgetown College and Lindsey Wilson College. Stalker is also on the Lakota West varsity basketball team this season. At linebacker, he was third on the team with 10.5 tackles for loss and led the team with 3 sacks and 3 fumble recoveries.

Prior to the season, senior safety Dawson Fletcher verbally committed to Indiana University. This past season, Fletcher was second on the team in tackles with 70. The all-GMC first teamer also had 5.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception that he returned 77 yards, 3 pass breakups and 1 forced fumble.

All four, along with running back Marcus Davis, offensive lineman Beau Odom, wide receiver Bubba Williams, cornerback Peair Foster, safety Antonio Darden and offensive lineman Neil Recker could sign with their school of choice Wednesday on National Signing Day.

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Blake Bell, Blake Bell highlights, Cole Stalker, Cole Stalker highlights, Dawson Fletcher, Dawson Fletcher highlights, football videos, Jordan Darland, Jordan Darland highlights, Lakota West, Lakota West football, Lakota West football highlights, Lakota West football video, Lakota West sports, National Signing Day, Ohio football recruiting, Ohio High School sports recruiting, Ohio preps recruiting, Ohio sports recruiting, Ohio State football

National Signing Day, which will take place Wednesday, marks the first day high school football and soccer players can sign letters of intent. Many high schools across the country, like Lakota East and Lakota West, will host special signing ceremonies throughout the week.

Lakota East will honor 15 student athletes during a special ceremony Wednesday morning in sports that include volleyball, lacrosse, baseball, softball, tennis, basketball, swimming, cross country and track.

Lakota West will host a signing event for football players Wednesday morning as well. Meanwhile, soccer and cross country athletes will be recognized at a ceremony Thursday afternoon.

Among those who will be honored at Lakota East include Lauren Beitel (volleyball – Otterbein University), Emily Bostian (volleyball – Otterbein), Michaela Buczek (lacrosse – College of Mount St. Joseph), Michael Conrad (baseball – University of Cincinnati), Alex Corna (baseball – Ohio University), Ainsely Ellison (softball – Hillsdale College), Sofey Fugate (tennis – Heidelberg University), Alyssa Grevenkamp (basketball – University of Findlay), Jessika Hall (swimming – Michigan State University), Tori Meyer (lacrosse – Albright College), Mark Minch (basketball – Ohio Dominican University), Zach Mueck (tennis – Xavier University), Tony O’Connor (cross country/track – Northern Kentucky University), Hannah Sigala (volleyball – Morehead State University) and Whitney Wyckoff (basketball – Yale University).

Meanwhile, during Thursday’s afternoon ceremony at Lakota West, the following student athletes will be honored: Kim Love (soccer – Purdue University), Kelly Mack (soccer – Wright State University), Lauren Pratt (soccer – Ohio Dominican University), Brady Holmer (cross country (Northern Kentucky) and Amanda Shelby (Mount St. Joseph).

In football, Lakota West could have up to 10 players sign Wednesday including linebacker Jordan Darland, defensive end Blake Bell, running back Marcus Davis, safety Dawson Fletcher, offensive lineman Beau Odom, wide receiver Bubba Williams, linebacker Cole Stalker, safety Antonio Darden, cornerback Peair Foster and offensive lineman Neil Recker.

Of that group, only Fletcher has announced where he will be playing football in college. The senior safety, who will be attending Indiana University, was second on the team in tackles with 70. The all-GMC first teamer also had 5.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception that he returned 77 yards, 3 pass breakups and 1 forced fumble.

In November, basketball, baseball and volleyball players were able to sign national letters of intent. Back then, the following students from Lakota West signed: Summer Reeves (basketball – Morgan State University), Shabazz Reeves (basketball – Morgan State), Corri Muha (volleyball – Georgetown College) and Mel Stewart (Northern Kentucky University).

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Ainsely Ellison, Alyssa Grevenkamp, Amanda Shelby, Antonio Darden, Beau Odom, Blake Bell, Brady Holmer, Bubba Williams, Cole Stalker, Dawson Fletcher, Emily Bostian, Hannah Sigala, Jessika Hall, Kelly Mack, Kim Love, Lakota East, Lakota East Sports, Lakota West, Lakota West sports, Lauren Beitel, Lauren Pratt, Marcus Davis, Mark Minch, Michael Conrad, Michaela Buczek, National Signing Day, Neil Recker, Ohio football recruiting, Ohio High School sports recruiting, Ohio preps recruiting, Ohio sports recruiting, Ohio State football, Peair Foster, Signing Day Lakota East, Signing Day Lakota West, Sofey Fugate, Tony O’Connor, Tori Meyer, Whitney Wyckoff, Zach Mueck