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67 °F Forecast | Road Cams Thursday, September 16, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal How To Guide Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Rogue Valley's Finest EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend April 15, 2004 Crater�s Whitney Black will play basketball at Portland State next year. Local athletes sign collegiate letters By KRIS HENRY Mail Tribune CENTRAL POINT — Whitney Black has known what path her future was going to take for about three months, but that didn’t make Wednesday any less exciting for the Crater High senior. "It’s just such a great feeling knowing that I’m set for next year because there are so many kids out there who have no clue," said Black, who was among a handful of Southern Oregon athletes who signed collegiate letters of intent on the first day of the late signing period. "It’s a huge day because today it’s finally official," added Black. "I’m going to Portland State to play basketball there next year, which is amazing. I can’t wait to put on that Viking jersey." Joining Black in earning a Division I girls basketball scholarship was teammate Dani Montgomery, who was sold on Washington State University only two weeks ago and cemented the deal during Wednesday’s ceremonial signing at Crater High. The two Comets helped lead Crater to a Southern Oregon Conference championship and 19-7 overall record this past season. The Comets lost to eventual state runner-up Lakeridge in the third round of the Class 4A state playoffs. Advertisement Black and Montgomery were the guiding forces behind such a season, with Montgomery named SOC player of the year after averaging 14.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.1 steals as a wing/post. Black, a point guard, averaged about 13 points, five assists, three steals and 40-percent shooting from 3-point range. "As a teacher and a coach," said Crater head coach Scott Dippel, "you love to see kids put in positions where they’re going to be successful, and both programs are going to be perfect for these two kids." Also signing letters of intent Wednesday were North Medford sprinter Brittany Hodges, who earned a scholarship to the University of Idaho, and South Medford boys basketball player Ryan Fiegi, who signed to play at NCAA Division II Western Oregon University. Hodges holds nine district titles and has a hand in two district records, and said she’ll continue to run the 200, 400 and relays for the Division I Vandals. Fiegi, a 6-foot-5 point guard, led South to a fourth-place finish at the 4A boys basketball state tournament and was a third-team all-state selection. "I don’t have to wonder anymore where I’m going to be next year," Hodges said in echoing the sentiments of those who signed Wednesday. "I can just focus on my track stuff now and not have to wonder who I’m going to sign with or when. I can relax and go out and see about winning a state championship." For Black, the decision to choose Portland State was an easy one. "Everything is just such a perfect fit," said the 5-6 floor leader. "It’s exactly where I’m supposed to go." She becomes part of the first recruiting class for newly hired Portland State head coach Charity Elliott, who replaced George Wolfe last week. The Vikings return only six letterwinners from last year’s squad that went 6-22 overall and 3-1 in the Big Sky Conference. Dippel said Black will be able to play either guard slot for the Vikings, and could very well be an impact player in the program for the next four years. "She’s not a kid that gets intimidated by age," said Dippel. "She’s going to be able to step in as a freshman, read the kids that are already there and find herself in a leadership role really quickly." "Once they continue to see her in open gym situations," added the Crater coach, "they’re not going to have a choice but to play her. I just think she’s a special kid." As long as she plays, Black doesn’t care what position she’s put in. "I think I’ve always kinda been a shooter at heart," said Black, "but point guard’s an awesome position, too. Wherever they put me, I’m going to try my hardest." Montgomery said the Vikings will be getting a gem in Black. "I’m so proud of her," said the 5-11 standout. "It’s been a great experience playing with her the last couple years. She’s made me a better player and created a lot of my opportunities scoring-wise." The admiration was mutual for Black, who’s confident Montgomery will be able to turn around a Washington State program that was 6-22 overall and 2- 16 in Pac-10 play last season. "I think she’s definitely going to do great things for them up there," said Black. "Any team would be lucky to get a player like Dani because she can do anything you ask her to do." Reach reporter Kris Henry at 776-4488, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities