Baylor's Rodgers to Southwestern

Friday, March 11, 2011

Baylor senior goalkeeper Katherine Rodgers recently signed a letter of intent to continue her soccer career at Southwestern University, a member of Sewanee's conference in Georgetown, Texas. They are NCAA Division III schools, which don't give athletic scholarships but still active recruit.

Rodgers was the starting keeper for the Lady Raiders team that finished 17-0-2 in 2010 and won the Division II-AA state championship. She was the last line of defense for a team that allowed only five goals all season and recorded 15 shutouts.

Southwestern went 9-8-1 in 2010 and is losing nine seniors.

Ellis set for LaGrange

Notre Dame senior Nick Ellis will continue his basketball career at LaGrange (Ga.) College, another NCAA Division III institution.

Ellis is a two-year captain for the Fighting Irish and helped them win consecutive District 7-AA championships. He finished his career with 119 assists, 182 rebounds and 275 points.

"LaGrange is a great school," Ellis said. "I've worked hard for my dream to play college basketball and now here I am. I'm ready for the challenge."

LaGrange is coached by former Marion County star Warren Haynes.

"Nick is a quality young man and quality basketball player," Haynes said. "As we look to improve our program, hard-working, skilled players like Nick will be very important to the process."

Core, Thomas picked

Dade County's Travis Core and Fannin County's Brooke Thomas were honored Monday as the high school basketball players of the year by the North-West Georgia Tip-Off Club at its annual banquet. It was held at Berry College.

Dalton was named the girls' team of the year, and Lady Catamounts coach Jeff McKinney was the coach of the year. Murray County and its coach, Jeff Linder, shared boys' honors with Rockmart. Calhoun's Diane Smith was middle school coach of the year.