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Photo by Elliot J. Sutherland/The Ottawa Herald
Ottawa High School senior Cory Carner looks for an open man during a game this past season. Carner signed to play basketball for Ottawa University.
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Braves attract Carner
OHS player decides to remain at home
By GREG MAST, Herald Sports Editor
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Cory Carner’s love of basketball won out. The Ottawa High School senior decided he wanted to continue his competitive playing career in college.
Carner is staying home after signing with Ottawa University.
“It is nice to have another Ottawa High School player joining our program. Coach Jon McKowen and the high school team had a great season this past year and Cory was a big part of that success,” Ottawa coach Andy Carrier said. “We do think Cory’s best basketball is ahead of him and believe our program will afford him a great opportunity to develop that potential.”
Carner and Carrier developed a relationship when Carner attended the OU basketball camps and that played a factor in his decision.
Carner said he felt right at home in the Ottawa program after his campus visit and the returning players made him feel welcome. Plus, he likes the smaller teacher-student ratio at Ottawa than the bigger schools.
The hometown product has been scrimmaging with the Braves’ returners.
“It is different than high school ball,” Carner said. “It is a big adjustment. In high school, you have time to make decisions. They are quicker in college. You can’t second guess everything you do.”
Carner, 6-foot-3, expects to play small forward and big guard for the Braves, who won the conference championship and the program’s first NAIA National Tournament game this past season.
The adjustment period has just begun as Carner settles in for the summer.
He expects to work on gaining strength, quickness, ball handling skills and improve his outside shot.
Carner was a top reserve for the Cyclones, who qualified for the 4A state basketball tournament.
Greg Mast can be reached at sports@ottawaherald.com.
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