One that got away

[HoboD]

http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/arti...e971941241.txt

Stanley County's Ostarello signs with Purdue
By Mike Smith, Capital Journal staff
FORT PIERRE — When Sam Ostarello knows what she wants, she does not waste any time in taking it.


Ostarello, a 6-foot-2 junior at Stanley County High School, has accepted a full scholarship to play basketball at Purdue University. She is the fourth local basketball player to accept a Division I scholarship in the past two years, joining Michael Tveidt (North Dakota State) of Pierre Riggs High School, Sierra Moeller (Boise State) of Riggs and Sam Willard (University of the Pacific) of Riggs.

Making the early commitment to play Big Ten basketball was not as easy as it sounds. Ostarello was also heavily recruited by South Dakota State University of Brookings, who gave her a scholarship offer midway through this past basketball season.
“It was definitely hard,” Ostarello said.

“I’ve been close to South Dakota State since they started recruiting me. I was a little shaky telling A.J. (Jackrabbit coach Aaron Johnston) no. We had gotten really close. But you can’t pass up this opportunity. It was a stressful couple of days, but now it’s done, and I can play ball and enjoy my high school years.”(more)

[JimmyJack]

Re: One that got away

She was at one of the WNIT games and, after the game when the kids were shooting hoops, a basketball got stuck in the rim. Ostarello took one step, jumped up, and easily tipped it out. I'm sure she could get above the rim. She's very athletic and you can't blame her for accepting an offer from a national power like Purdue.

[2002jack]

Re: One that got away

She was at one of the WNIT games and, after the game when the kids were shooting hoops, a basketball got stuck in the rim. Ostarello took one step, jumped up, and easily tipped it out. I'm sure she could get above the rim. She's very athletic and you can't blame her for accepting an offer from a national power like Purdue.

This would be like Ohio State edging us out for a male recruit. Good comparison?, or I'm I off base.

[Jacks02]

Re: One that got away

[quote author=JimmyJack link=1182516274/0#1 date=1182527558]She was at one of the WNIT games and, after the game when the kids were shooting hoops, a basketball got stuck in the rim. Ostarello took one step, jumped up, and easily tipped it out. I'm sure she could get above the rim. She's very athletic and you can't blame her for accepting an offer from a national power like Purdue.

This would be like Ohio State edging us out for a male recruit.  Good comparison?, or I'm I off base.[/quote]

At first I didn't think so, but Purdue does have a strong program, and made the final four last season.

[jackmd]

Re: One that got away

I'm sure it was a tough decision for her. Choose an up and coming DI program with a great coach thats close to home or an established program in a major conference still located in the midwest. I bet there were a lot of sleepless nights, good problem to have. I wish her the best and I encourage her to follow SDSU from Indiana. You never know, she might be back some day.

[NorCalJack]

Re: One that got away

Well I wish her luck, Purdue is a great school for engineering. I'm not sure about the other majors, but I'm sure they are just fine. You really can't blame her for picking Purdue over SDSU, Purdue has a great women's basketball program.

Go State!!! 8-) 8-) 8-)

[JackJD]

Re: One that got away

If given the chance, we'll just have to kick Purdue's team (and/or any common opponents) all over the court in the next few years.

[BTownJack]

Re: One that got away

Terry V. has a tidbit about this recruiting loss on his blog today:

http://blogs.argusleadermedia.com/sports/category/sdsu/

[JackJD]

Re: One that got away

There isn't a school in the country which lands every in-state prospect it pursues. The fact is, SDSU competes for and is seriously considered by the best this state has to offer. Fortunately, top schools in other states do not always land their local talent. I think of that every time I look at the roster and see the out-of-state hometowns listed for the Jackrabbits.

Can you imagine how difficult the decision must be? Those athletes risk watching the Jackrabbits make a lot of DI noise for the second year in a row and then the following year, enter the big dance.

Go Jackrabbits!

[JACKGUYII]

Re: One that got away

Purdue would be a tough school to say no too from an academic and athletic standpoint. They are usually in the mix for the Big 10 Title. I still think it would be tough to go to a place where the people from home will not be able to watch you play on a consistent basis. Who knows it might not be what she expected and she can always change her mind and or transfer to SDSU if we have an opening.

[JackJD]

Re: One that got away

I have that same feeling, JackGuyII.  Purdue is a great place...even named their athletic teams after a shot-in-a-beer     Right now, with SDSU being the hot team in the region, there may not be a place for someone who wants to transfer in.

Go Jackrabbits!

[Haldersham]

Re: One that got away

There is always a chance of a transfer in by Ostrello. We have to see how things work out for this young lady. I admire her coach for helping out by sending out the videos. Its probably something she should have done herself, but no doubt she and her parents had no clue about marketing her as an indivdual and landing a good education in the process. Most parents dont, but a lot of them do and get carried away with the whole recruting process.

I wish her the best. If Purdue is anything like the short handed Indiana team we seen in Brookings during the WNIT, there is going to be a lot of pressure to perform in order to keep her scholarship. If it gets to be too much for this young lady, then I think we may get a transfer. I wish Sam the best of luck at Purdue.