Local Division I talents commit to colleges early, focus on high school season
Dante Williams, shown during last year's Class A state championship game, would rather focus on returning to the title game than where he'll play collegiately.
AnnArbor.com file photo
Choosing the right college can weigh heavily on any high-level high school athlete.
For four Washtenaw County basketball players committed to play at the Division I level next season, it was a decision made early so they could focus on their final high school season.
Huron’s A.J. Mathew (Toledo) and Dante Williams (Oakland), Dexter’s Dave LaMore (Cornell) and Father Gabriel Richard’s Darren Washington (Eastern Michigan) all opted to sign national letters of intent during the NCAA’s early signing period in November.
For Washington, the relief of committing early was two-fold. He wanted to play at a Division I college, but also wanted to be close enough to home that his family could still watch him play.
Huron coach Waleed Samaha said he encouraged his college-bound players to make their decisions early. He said both Williams and Mathew were on board, because they wanted to get to the business of winning a state championship.
Huron was the Class A state runner up last year.
“They are so committed to helping teammates accomplish that goal of winning a state championship,” Samaha said.
Samaha said he doesn’t worry about his players becoming disinterested now that their college plans are already finalized.
“That’s not even a discussion,” Samaha said. “If anything, it’s a relief to not have to worry about it and just focus on the task at hand.”
“Now we can focus on the season and hopefully get back to the championship,” Mathew said after verbally committing to Toledo this summer.
Dexter coach Randy Swoverland agreed that having the decision out of the way is a load off of the players’ minds and thinks it could even translate to a better play on the court.
He’d rather LaMore be relaxed and worry about what he’s doing to help the team win than focusing on whether or not he’s still on some college coach’s radar.
“This way (LaMore) can just play and know that his future is set,” Swoverland said. “It’s better for everyone involved.”
Pete Cunningham covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at petercunningham@annarbor.com, or by phone at 734-623-2561. Follow him on Twitter @petcunningham.