Girls' basketball

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PRINCETON — Usually in the game of college recruiting, the early bird gets the worm. But IVCC coach Steve Crick has found out some good things do come to those who wait.

Princeton standout Austyn Miller has signed to play basketball for Crick’s Lady Eagles, and he couldn’t be happier. He feels others’ loss will be his big gain.

Crick had been recruiting Miller since January and watched her play several games this past season for PHS down the state tournament trail. Crick knew she was looking at other schools, but he let her know he was always interested.

“Sometimes that happens with really good players if they’re looking at other schools. Sometimes you’ve got to wait until they decide where to go and be patient, keep in contact and let them know you are still interested,” Crick said.

“In this case she decided to come our way, and we are really pleased.”

Miller, an IBCA Third Team All-state pick, sharing BCR Players of the Year honors with teammate Brooke Jensen, averaged 16.4 points and 7.4 rebounds a game. They led PHS to their first Sweet 16 appearance.

The Lady Eagles had averaged 21 wins a season in Crick’s first seven years but fell back to 12 this past season. Crick is looking to rebuild and said Miller will be the place to start.

“She’s going to be a huge addition to our program,” he said. “She can play all positions; bring the ball down the floor, spot up and is one of the best post-up players I’ve seen.

“She’s a great shot in the arm.”

Among other recruits is LaMoille’s Jackie Monroe.

Crick believes Miller has the talent to continue her career beyond IVCC, playing at the Division I level and told her if she chose IVCC he’d do his very best to help her move on to a four-year school.

“When I told her she could play Division I,  she just kind of chuckled, as if she didn’t believe me,” Crick said. “I really believe she can. She might be surprised the big colleges that would be interested in her.”

Crick said he convinced Markita Barnes to start out with IVCC, and this past season, she recently signed to play with the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, choosing the Panthers over Temple.

“Maybe the same thing can happen to Austyn,” Crick said.

Before Miller receives her diploma during PHS’ graduation Saturday morning, Miller and Crick will meet at PHS for a secondary signing in which Miller’s father, Paul, who is coming in from South Dakota, and her mother, can both attend.

Three other starters from Spencer Davis sectional champ Tigresses will also go on to college, but in  different directions.

Jensen will play basketball for Asbury College in Wilmore, Ky.; Amanda Prostko will play volleyball for North Park University in Chicago and Josie Gustafson will play soccer for Illinois Central College.

Another teammate, sixth man Maggie Griggs, will play soccer at Heartland College in Bloomington.

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