North Seniors Sign to Colleges
Pens. Contracts. Colleges. Tears of joy. These are all the things students, parents, and coaches experienced during the college basketball signing of JP Pimentel and Aliyah Belcher, during third lunch Wednesday, Nov. 9.
College scouting is a difficult and timely process for many. Whether it’s putting information and video out there so the colleges notice you or just working your hardest so college recruits come see you play, players who want to sign put in many hours.
“It’s just countless hours in the gym, always working on things that I find are weaknesses in myself. I make sure I am always a great teammate so I can encourage others,” said Belcher.
National College Athletic Association [NCAA] is split in three divisions, with division I being the highest level. Both Pimentel and Belcher will be attending division I basketball schools. Pimentel will be attending Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas in 2017; Belcher will be attending Georgia Southern University with a full four year scholarship.
“[I’ve prepared my best by] training and working individually,” said Pimentel, who was scouted during the Lady Vikings national game in Georgia.
Both Pimentel and Belcher have played basketball on the varsity level all four years of high school.
“I’ve started and have played all four years on the varsity level. I play more of a stretch 4 more of a power forward, but during college, I will play a small kind of wing player,” said Belcher.
Division 1 players are the most elite players of their sport.
“These young ladies have worked so hard to develop their game. They both had goals of being division I basketball players and continue their education while playing the sport they love,” said basketball coach Brett Katz.
Switching from a high school team to a college team as a freshman in college can be scary. Pimentel and Belcher are excited to take on the challenge of joining a new team, and meeting new girls.
“[The biggest thing I’m looking forward to] is getting my first points. I’m excited to get on campus and meet the girls and actually get to know them better than I do now,” said Belcher.
by Mercedes Nesbit, staff writer