While many high school football players across the country are signing their letters-of-intent to play in college, the process for other prep athletes is just now seriously beginning.
The first day of the winter signing period, which receives the most publicity because that's when high school football players sign, is today. But for athletes like Galena High basketball standout Derek Lorenzen, the process continues.
Lorenzen will likely sign during the spring signing period, which begins in April. But the behind-the-scenes jockeying that affects when and where Lorenzen signs is now on going.
The 6-4 Lorenzen will play point guard, shooting guard or small forward at the college level.
"We're trying to program him to be a ball-handler," said Galena coach Tom Maurer about working on his skills as a point guard. "Obviously that would make him a more valuable commodity."
If Lorenzen ends up at the Division I level, he would likely be a shooting guard. Division I schools are now in the process of putting together a list of point guards, shooting guards and small forwards they would like to sign.
Lorenzen's position on those lists will go up and down depending on such factors as what junior college players those schools could sign. Lorenzen's waiting game could last as long as this summer before he signs.
Many Division II schools are interested in Lorenzen, including Eastern Arizona and Sonoma State. Among the Division I schools that have shown interest are Montana State, Idaho State, Sacramento State and Santa Clara.
Maurer said he's been impressed with Montana State so far. "They're looking for his future and their future," he said.
If Lorenzen signs with a Division I school, he will likely have to look at the option of redshirting his first year, Maurer said. "I think he needs to work on some skills," Maurer said. "Right now it's just waiting to see the needs of a program."
One skill that makes Lorenzen an attractive recruit is his three-point shooting ability. Because of his ability to shoot the three another attractive option could be Fresno City Community College, one of California's top junior college programs known for its prolific three-point shooting. "He has a dynamic offer to go to Fresno City," Maurer said.
If Lorenzen went to Fresno City, it could lead to a Division I offer. Virtually all of those who play at Fresno City are considered to be Division I caliber or at least potential Division I recruits.
Lorenzen is a two-time West Coast All-Star at the Adidas Double Pump Camp in Los Angeles and a two-time all-Northern 4A first team choice.
OTHER LOCALS
Two Douglas High graduates who were standouts for the Lassen College women's soccer team in Susanville, Calif., this past season should sign at the Division II level. Lassen coach Ben Wade said Molly Hernandez will sign with Humboldt State and that he believes Christen will sign with Cal State Bakersfield.
Other schools recruiting Hernandez and Christen include Chico State, San Francisco State and Stanislaus State.
There will also be several local baseball players on the JC level in California who should at least have the chance to move on to the Division II level in the spring. They include Carson High graduates Tony Teixeira and Rodney Black at Cerro Cosso, Douglas High graduates Cal Lewis and Tommy Hoyle at Feather River, Carson's Carl Winter at Modesto and Carson's Neil Holmes at Yuba.
PRIESS AT YORK
Tim Priess, a 2002 Carson graduate, is already at York in Nebraska where the junior will be a starting pitcher in the rotation this season for the NAIA school.