The lure of playing Division I basketball can be too much for a potential recruit to decline. For Carmichaels High School senior Megan Stuvek, that proved not to be the case.
Stuvek received overtures from a number of Division I schools but found herself drawn to three Division II schools in West Virginia.
On Wednesday, Stuvek made her decision when she chose to continue her basketball career at Wheeling Jesuit University, a perennial tournament team and a member of the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
"At a Division II school, I felt I could focus on my academic career and not just focus on playing basketball," Stuvek said. "I liked Wheeling Jesuit because the academics are really good and they have a great nursing program."
Stuvek, a 6-1 center, selected Wheeling Jesuit over West Liberty and Shepherd, and she recently concluded a record-setting career for the Mikes.
A three-time member of the Observer-Reporter's All-District first team, Stuvek averaged 21.3 points, 14.8 rebounds and 5.0 blocks as she led Carmichaels to a third-straight WPIAL Class A playoff appearance.
She finished her scholastic career as Carmichaels' career scoring leader (1,781 points) and holds team records for rebounds, blocks and steals.
"We're definitely going to be a different team without her," Carmichaels coach Jim Lane said.
Wheeling Jesuit hopes to improve its 17-11 record from the 2006-07 season with Stuvek.
"I won't have two people hanging on me all the time when I get to college," Stuvek said.
"It's going to be nice. They told me that I will become a better player once I get there."
Two Hillers make selections
Two seniors from the 2006 Trinity football team recently selected colleges. Senior defensive end Ken Gluth will play at Duquesne, while receiver Ben Howard is headed to Waynesburg.
Gluth (6-2, 225) was a two-year letterman and led the Hillers with 71/2 sacks to go with 31 tackles and 34 assists.
Howard (6-1, 185) owns the majority of Trinity's receiving records.
Recruiting update
Trinity junior Andrew Sweat will visit Gainesville, Fla. this weekend when he gets a chance to check out the University of Florida and its national championship football team.
Florida is one of several schools to offer a scholarship to Sweat, an all-state linebacker. Alabama, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan, Wisconsin, Syracuse, Connecticut and Pitt are among the others.
Teammate and fellow linebacker Michael Yancich has offers from Connecticut, Duke, Georgia Tech, Michigan State, Vanderbilt, Miami (Ohio) and Pitt.
Brandon Weaver gives Trinity a possible third Division I linebacker. He has an offer from Miami (Ohio).
Meanwhile, Division I programs are showing more interest in Peters Township quarterback Tyler Porco, who sports a 4.25 GPA and a 1,330 score on the SAT.
Marshall has joined Colorado, Vanderbilt, Iowa, Princeton and Dartmouth in the recruitment of the 6-3 Porco, who also starts at middle linebacker for the Indians.