OU signees have opportunity to grow together
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Ottawa University women’s basketball coach Bruce Tate envisions two local products growing together and forming a nice guard combination on the floor.
The Lady Braves signed Ottawa High School shooting guard Carrie Black and West Franklin point guard Sam Shaffer, who also will play softball.
Tate said both players will have a chance to develop at their own paces and will not have to face the same expectations as this past year’s freshman class, which had to step up to varsity play in a year after several seniors had graduated.
The coach said it is nice to have two good people from the local area become part of the program.
Tate has seen both players mature as people and players through the years.
“We know we are getting solid high school players,” he said. “Carrie can play our style. She has to learn the college game.”
Tate said Shaffer is a good athlete that has the ability to adjust quickly to a leadership position.
“She has to learn to take charge of a college team,” Tate said. “We are looking at the one and two guard spots that will be playing together a lot.”
Black liked the program and Tate, who has helped out in the past with pointers during the off-season.
“I have gotten to know the girls,” Black said. “I have played with them.”
For Shaffer, it came down to the possibility of playing both sports for a small school.
Plus she already knows several student-athletes on campus. She played high school basketball with OU junior Sam Reno and softball with sophomore pitcher Jamie Simms.
Both players had their best seasons as seniors. Black is known for her hustle and gritty play. Black is not afraid to dive on the floor for loose balls.
“She will bust her tail for you,” OHS coach Cliff McCullough said. “She works as hard as anybody we’ve had in 11 years. She will sell out for the team.
“She is about hard work and heart.”
West Franklin coach Jerald Johnson said Shaffer was the glue for the Falcons. She became a force in every facet during her senior season.
“She worked hard on her game during the summer,” Johnson said. “She led the offense. She played good defense for us. She did not get many breaks. She earned this.”
Ottawa softball coach Jay Kahnt saw a lot things in Shaffer he wants on his team.
“I love her toughness, work ethic and her character,” Kahnt said. “She has the ability to control a game.”
Both OU coaches said they have a plan worked out to get Shaffer into both programs early and not burn her out.
“Everyone has her best interests in mind,” Kahnt said. “Bruce and I will work with each other.”
Tate said Shaffer will benefit from both sports.
“She plays two leadership positions,” he said. “We will be able to balance both. She has the passion to do it.”
The two students have the same academic interest — to major in elementary education.
Greg Mast can be reached at sports@ottawaherald.com.
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