Jordan Sarat
Former NSR prospect and SUNY Potsdam freshman Jordan Sarat has been named the Bears’ co-female performer of the week. Sarat stepped up in her first collegiate at-bat to hit a big homerun to open up the final game in the series. She then connected on her second homerun with two outs in the top of the seventh to tie the game at 3-3. Her clutch bomb into center field helped the Bears seal the 6-3 victory in extra innings. In the circle, Sarat allowed only four hits while recording seven strikeouts in six innings of play. Jordan hails from Caledonia-Mumford High in Caledonia, NY, where she was a first team All-State performer last spring. She is majoring in Criminal Justice. Jordan’s NSR scout is Tom Sydeski.
Tabby Tindell
Tabby Tindell’s magical senior season just got a little sweeter.
Trinity Catholic’s scoring machine was named the Florida Dairy Farmers 2013 Miss Soccer by a statewide panel of high school coaches and media representatives. Tindell, who had already earned the Class 2A Player of the Year award after leading the Celtics to Marion County’s first-ever soccer state championship, beat out Class 5A Player of the Year, Yulie Lopez of Palm Beach Central, for top overall honors in one of the closest votes in the 21-year history of the award.
“I was pretty shocked and surprised,” said Tindell, who heard about the award when school officials announced it over the intercom during Thursday classes. “It feels like a dream to be honest. I keep thinking I’m going to wake up any minute now.”
Tindell scored an amazing 52 goals along with 27 assists — both tops in the county — to lead Trinity to a 20-2 season. The gifted striker saved her best soccer for the postseason where she racked up 15 goals in five playoff games, including hat tricks in four of the five, culminating with three goals in a 4-1 win over Gulliver Prep in the 2A state title match.
If that wasn’t enough, Tindell also set the new mark for career goals in Marion County with 160, breaking former Forest High star Kristin Burton’s previous record of 140 set in 2006.
“Having all this happen my senior year — my last opportunity to get everything done — is really special,” Tindell said. “Going to states, then winning states, and now Miss Soccer … it’s insane. It feels amazing.”
The four-year varsity starter finished with 152 points, edging out Florida State-bound Lopez (142) and University of Florida signee Brooke Sharp (116) of Ponte Vedra. Tindell will take her talents to Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers this fall where she’ll play for head coach Jim Blankenship.
The 2012-13 academic year represents the 21st anniversary of the Florida Dairy Farmers Sports Awards program, which honors the state’s top athletes and coaches in 30 FHSAA-sanctioned sports.
By Byron Saucer, staff writer for Ocala.com
DI signee finishes prep career in superb fashion
Tabby Tindell
We send out a big congratulations to NSR 2013 soccer prospect Tabby Tindell of Ocala Trinity Catholic High Sschool, who guided her team to the Florida State 2A State Championship this past weekend, the first for Trinity. Tabby scored three goals in the final game as the team won 4-1. Tabby ended up with 52 goals on the year with over 30 assists. She was selected the Championship Game’s MVP. Tabby will be taking her talents on to NCAA Division I Florida Gulf Coast University. She signed with them this past fall. Tabby is the quintessential NSR prospect. Carrying a 4.9 GPA and highly regarded in her school and community, she has emerged as one of the state’s most sought after soccer prospects. Shaun Kitchen is Tabby’s NSR scout in the Ocala area.
NSR 2013 football prospect, OJ Howard, from Autauga Academy in Autauga, Alabama signed a National Letter of Intent with defending BCS National Champion Alabama on National Signing Day. Ranked by Rivals.com as a five-star prospect, OJ is part of the Crimson Tide’s top rated recruiting class which includes five other five-star recruits. The 6’6” 220-pound tight end is expected to compete for playing time right away. As an early enrollee on the Tuscaloosa campus, OJ spoke to ESPN about his decision to attend Alabama.
“A lot of other schools talked to me about starting something new,” Howard said. “To me, that would be making it about me. I don’t want it to be about me, I want it to be about the team. I want to work hard and earn my spot. If it was easy to play at Alabama, everybody would do it. It’s not easy to live up to the legacy they have built there.”
Carrying a 3.3 GPA, OJ was a three-time All-State selection and was recruited by every major college football program in the nation. He was the first 2013 prospect to verbally commit to Saban when he announced his decision early in his junior year of high school. His NSR scout is Coach Robert Cagle who covers southern Alabama.
“NSR really is different and OJ Howard manifests that difference,” said NSR president Rusty Rigney upon learning of OJ’s signing. “The prospects we search for, personally scout, interview and enroll are true student-athletes. Our on-the-ground scouts identify prospects which are excellent reflections of their families, schools and communities. While we place prospects at every level of college athletics from the highest level of NCAA DI competition to junior colleges, we recognize that OJ is an ideal example of the type of high school athlete we seek to represent and promote to college coaches. He is a young man who possesses athletic talent, solid grades, a supportive family and high character. We couldn’t be prouder to be associated with this quality young man.”
- Emry Tsitouris
Junior is a Relentless Rebounder
Opponents know the key to beating Parkwood’s (NC) girls is stopping (NSR prospect) Emry Tsitouris. Now in her third year as a starter, the 5-11 junior forward made all-conference as a sophomore when she averaged a loud double-double — 15.5 points and 13.0 rebounds. But even though Tsitouris is well-established and at the top of every team’s scouting report, her numbers are even more staggering 15 games into her junior season.
After scoring 23 points and pulling down 20 rebounds in last Wednesday’s loss at Monroe (NC), Tsitouris pulled her season averages up to 20.1 points and 15.5 rebounds. She has 13 double-doubles for the 11-4 Rebels, and has snatched at least 20 rebounds in four games. Tsitouris is obviously talented, but what seems to set her apart is her relentless effort.
“I think night in and night out, she is our most energized player,” said Parkwood coach Don Mather. “She is the one we look to when we are struggling to score; we try to get it into her.” Tsitouris has improved her game each season. She averaged 9.9 points and 5.1 rebounds as a freshman before breaking out as a sophomore.
“My freshman year it was a learning experience,” she said. “I was getting used to the high school environment. I got to play with my sister (Tori) and that was awesome playing with her. My sophomore year I did what I had to do to get better at the game. I had to expand my game.” Tsitouris says she fell in love with basketball in the second grade, and remains determined to improve.
Mather has witnessed her maturation. “I feel like from last year to this year, she is a more diverse scorer,” Mather said. “She shoots the ball from the outside a lot better, and she has gotten real efficient inside with her moves. She is playing a little more facing the basket. She has had to accept the role of being the go-to player.”
In addition to becoming the first option, Tsitouris is adjusting to being a leader. “I lead by example,” she said. “We have some vocal leaders … I just try to play as hard as I can and hope everyone follows.”
Tsitouris leads Union County in rebounding. She’s had at least 15 rebounds in 10 games this season. “I think rebounding is more effort. If you want the ball, you are going to get it,” said Tsitouris. “You just have to hustle. It is all heart.” In a win over Charlotte Country Day last month, Tsitouris finished with 19 points and 25 rebounds.
“She is not always the biggest kid on the floor, but she just outworks people for rebounds,” said Mather. “She gets up in the air and she is just tenacious.” In Wednesday’s game at Monroe, Tsitouris became the 12th girl in Parkwood’s 52-year history to join the 1,000-point club.
“It’s always good to do something you have worked for, but I couldn’t do it without my teammates,” said Tsitouris. “It’s more about winning. That’s what I’m concerned about. But it’s an honor to get something like that.”
In reaching the 1,000-point plateau, Tsitouris passed the person who inspired her to play the game of basketball — her mother, who played ball in college at Wingate. Mather feels fortunate he’s getting the opportunity to coach Tsitouris. “She is a great kid, good grades, never in trouble,” Mather said. “As far as coaching her, she is easy to coach. She just wants to win so badly. What I love about her more then anything is she has a never-ending motor and a short memory. She never takes a second off, she never takes a play off. She will have a bad stretch and it doesn’t faze her.”
Tsitouris has a goal of playing in college, and Mather expects to see it happen. “She doesn’t have any scholarship offers. But Mather said an assistant coach from the Georgia Bulldogs was on campus Thursday, and N.C. State and Appalachian State are also showing interest.
Note: This article was written by Ash Hutto for the The Enquirer Journal in Monroe, NC, and was published on January 25, 2013. Emry’s NSR scout is Mike Ostler who covers the Charlotte Metro area as well as the South Carolina Upstate for the company.
Mallory Blauser
For an NSR prospect to be named All-State is not all that unusual, but being selected to this prestigious list in two sports, especially in a state the size of Texas, is noteworthy to say the least. And for having achieved these multiple high honors, Mallory Blauser, a volleyball and hoops standout from Round Rock Christian Academy in Round Rock, Texas, has been selected as our Female Athlete of the Month. A 4.0 student in the classroom, Mallory recently decided to pursue volleyball in college and will sign with the University of Cincinnati. Her NSR on-the-ground scout, Randy Evans, reports that Mallory received offers from several NCAA DI programs in both sports. In her essay to college coaches, Mallory exclaims, “I think it’s rewarding to challenge myself and push myself as hard as I can, and then see the result. I love being part of the team that other teams fear. I find it exciting when I put in so much effort and all that sweat and hard work pays off. I would like to play in college because I believe, with the right team and coach, I can be an asset to my team. I will listen to my coach’s instructions and try to improve each time I step on the court. I will hustle for every ball and play smart. I am very physical and competitive and I have a high work ethic. If I am given a chance to play on a collegiate level team, I will do my best to contribute and work hard one hundred percent of the time.” We have no doubt that Mallory will represent her family, school, community and NSR well as a Bearcat.
OJ Howard
NSR football prospect, OJ Howard, who currently attends Autauga Academy in Autauga, Ala, and will sign with Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide on signing day, is the sixteenth top 2013 recruit in the final Rivals.com Top 100 list. The 6’6″, 220-pound tight end carries a 3.3 GPA and runs an impressive 4.49 in the 40-yard dash. His NSR on-the-ground scout Robert Cagle describes OJ in his scouting report to college coaches: “WOW! Ok. Here it is the scouting report for OJ!! OJ Howard may be the most impressive football athlete that I have ever seen! This young man looks like a player. This young man is fast. This young man has great hips. This young man has good hands. This young man has vision on the field. OJ has an extra gear when the ball is in his hand. He is a big, strong physical player. His physical presence is nothing less than impressive. This kid reminds me of a Cameron Newton type player. OJ’s 4.49 speed and his ability to burst into the open and leave defenders behind is something to see. Coaches, OJ is the prospect you want to get to know NOW!” That was written two years ago. In his initial essay to college coaches as a sophomore, OJ said, “I am a member of the Beta Club & Honor Roll. I attend The Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church in Autaugaville, AL where I have been a faithful member for 15 years participating in the usher ministry and audio & studio ministry. I have played varsity football for Autauga Academy since my 9th grade year. During my first season I made All-County as well as Honorable Mention All-State. During my sophomore year I set the school record for most receptions & touchdowns in a single season. I also made All-State, All-County & All-Metro. My athletic goal is to play D-1 college football someday, but I know in order for me to accomplish this goal I will have to keep God first, stay humble, excel in the classroom as well as in the weight room and on the playing field.”
Nation’s Top Scouting Service Works Harder for College Coaches
NSR scouts talk with college coaches at the AFCA convention about their recruiting needs.
Being on the ground scouting high school athletes sets National Scouting Report apart from all other high school scouting organizations. With the world’s largest staff of professionally trained prep scouts, NSR blankets the United States and five foreign nations in search of qualified college prospects.
But that is not all our scouts do. We also reach out to college coaches by visiting them in their offices, meeting them at tournaments, showcases and combines, and coming face to face with them at their sport’s most prestigious conventions.
In January, a team of NSR area scouts and home office personnel gathered in Nashville, TN, at the annual convention of the American Football Coaches Association. By shaking hands, talking football and gathering the recruiting needs of each program, NSR was then able to not only continue developing strong bonds with coaching staffs, but also to help coaches to identify NSR prospects that uniquely matched their specific needs.
Alyssa Arace
We are proud to introduce as our Female Athlete of the Day, Alyssa Arace, a sophomore hoops point guard from Valley Christian High School in San Jose, California. She sports a 3.4 GPA. A multi-talented athlete, beside having been named her team’s Defensive Player-of-the-Year and All-Conference Honorable Mention as a freshman in basketball, she was also a standout in softball being chose First Team All-Conference as a softball outfielder. In his scouting report to college coaches, NSR scout Stacey Harris says, “Alyssa Arace is a very versatile athlete and a three sport star. She has superior quickness and is agile. In basketball, she can defend very well – she has great lateral movement and a superior vertical. Alyssa finishes well around the basket and makes excellent decisions in transition. With additional strength and work on her perimeter game she will grow into a top college prospect. Alyssa is a high character kid and has great family support, academically she realizes that grades come first and her quest for success starts in the classroom.”
Warren Dowdell
Today we honor Warren Dowdell as our Male Athlete of the Day. This 6’3″, 235-pound offensive lineman is a 2016 grad and carries a 3.97 GPA. He graded out at 92% this past season and was presented with the Captain’s Award, MVP and Most Outstanding Lineman Award. His NSR scout is Bryan Black who says of him, “Warren is a young man with unlimited upside. As an 8th grader he is already showing the work ethic and maturity of a much more experienced player. Warren is strong, intense and has an instinct for getting to the ball. Playing at a smaller high school will give hime the opportunity to play on both sides of the ball and anchor both the offensive line at center and the defensive line at nose tackle. Warren is a fast learner and has the determination to play at the highest level. Keep him on your short list, he will not dissapoint you.” And in Warren’s essay to college coaches he states, “My future plans are to play football at a Division 1 school, along with getting a great college education. I currently play for Beauregard High School in Opelika, Al. I have played all positions on the OL and DL and long snapping, along with a crash course in kicking this year. I am an Honor student, and part of the National Junior Honor Society, Who’s Who, and People to People. I am active in 4H of Lee County Alabama where I do Cattle showing and Livestock judging. I have won many trophies and ribbons with my cattle and livestock judging with recent awards from the Senator of Alabama with a Resolution. I am very competitive in everything that I am a part of. Along with that I am very goal oriented and I always give a 110% in everything thing that I do.”
