November 13, 2003                  

Leininger going to Miami of Ohio

AREA: HS GIRLS BASKETBALL

By SCOTT DAVIDSON
Tribune Staff Writer

Before it's all said and done, Warsaw's Will Wienhorst believes Jaclyn Leininger may well be at the top of the list of players he has coached.

Quite a compliment from a coach that has tutored a plethora of talent in his time.

Leininger, a 6-0 guard/forward, signed to continue her career at Miami of Ohio on Wednesday.

"Jaclyn's on track to be one of the best players I've coached," said Wienhorst, now in his 18th season at Warsaw and 25th overall. "She's definitely an Indiana All-Star and Miss Basketball candidate. She's a complete offensive player."

Leininger averaged 21 points per game as a junior. The smooth scorer was also recruited by Ball State and Valparaiso, among others.

"I think Jaclyn will be an excellent player at Miami," Wienhorst said. "It's an excellent fit for her. It's a great academic school and a program on the rise. Jaclyn just fell in love with the school when she went for her visit there."

Leininger helped the Tigers win the NLC title a year ago. She also was a Tribune Area All-Star and was on the Junior Core All-Star team this summer.

Warsaw, ranked No. 1 in the Class 4-A preseason poll, opens the season at Tippecanoe Valley Nov. 21.

Jackson signs

First-year Culver Academy coach Molly Murray doesn't like the word "potential."

But she sees plenty of it in star Vanessa Jackson.

The Culver Academy senior, who hails from Rochester, inked to play at Division I Morehead State in Kentucky.

"I couldn't be happier for Vanessa," said Murray, Jackson's third coach at Culver Academy. "She's improved greatly just in the last two months. She has great size and a great body. She has a very nice upside to her."

Jackson averaged 24 points per game and 16 rebounds as a junior to rank eighth and third in the state in those categories respectively. The tough inside force had highs of 45 points and 21 rebounds. In a season-opening 45-37 loss to Glenn Tuesday, she tallied 25 points and snared 19 rebounds.

"It's scary and great at the same time to sign," said Jackson, who also considered Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan, IUPUI and Wright State. "I couldn't have gotten a better vibe than on my visit to Morehead State. It's the spot for me.

"I really want to thank my family, especially my brother David," added Jackson, who has eight brothers and sisters. "They helped me a lot and have always supported me."

Murray sees a big senior season from her 6-1 post player.

"Vanessa's capable of averaging a double-double again," said Murray, who played at Michigan and coached at Butler and for the Wolverines. "We need her to be a leader for us."

Duo to Evansville

The pair of Rochester's Courtney Felke and Rebekah Parker of Tippecanoe Valley are headed to the University of Evansville.

Felke averaged 19.2 points, seven assists and five rebounds her junior season. The fine guard led the Zebras to a 22-3 mark with conference and sectional titles.

Parker led the Vikings in scoring (18), rebounding (six) and assists (four) a year ago. She guided her team to a second straight Class 3-A sectional crown.