Photo collage and action photos by Jenny Walters Photography, Headshot photo compliments of Lifetouch Photography
West Chester, OH (April 15, 2020)
If you take a look at the NCAA ’19-’20 planning calendar, Wednesday, April 15th is the scheduled start of the NCAA Basketball “Regular” Signing Period. However, last month (March 13), in the wake of the Coronavirus threat, the NCAA shut down ALL recruiting and signings in ALL sports until April 15th. Despite a stay at home order from the Governor of Ohio, the Lakota West Athletic Department would like to honor and congratulate our senior student-athletes who made or signed their college commitments from home. In addition to our 2020 recent signings, Junior Maddie Prohaska, a goalkeeper for the 2019 Firebird Soccer State Champion team, has decided to graduate early and start at Auburn University in the fall. Senior Julian Mackey, the 2020 GMC leading scorer, has decided to attend TSF Prep in Atlanta, GA for a year of prep school before deciding on a university.
Earlier this school year, Lakota West honored six other Firebirds in the Fall Signing Ceremony (link) and another four at the Winter Football Signing Ceremonies (link). Link to early football signing.
Link to Cincinnati Enquirer signing article and photos
Please continue to check WestFirebirds.com for even more signings this spring!
Boys Basketball- Carter Combs- Capital University
The 6’2″ guard is a three year varsity starter for the Firebirds and two time All-GMC second team. As a senior he averaged 16.2 pts per game and broke the Lakota West school record for points in a game when he dropped 35 points against Fairfield on 1/28. He also shot a jaw-dropping 8/10 from the 3 point arc in that game. Combs finishes his career at Lakota West with the 5th most points scored in school history (868).
“I have been blessed to coach Carter his junior and senior year. His tireless work ethic, never quit attitude and strong leadership has propelled our program back to the level of respect that our players and school deserve. We will miss him but his impact will have a lasting influence on the future success of Firebird Basketball,” said Lakota West Head Basketball Coach Jim Leon.
Boys Basketball- Julian Mackey- TSF Prep
The 6’3″ guard returned to Lakota West for his senior season and led the Firebirds and the Greater Miami Conference in scoring this season with 21.9 points per game. He also set the school record for total points in a season with 525. In addition to his points, Mackey averaged 4.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.2 steals per game while also shooting 80% from the charity stripe. Mackay was named first team All-GMC and Honorable Mention All-State for the 2019-20 season.
“Julian is an incredible athlete who I feel has the skills to play at the Division 1 level. He took our program on his back this season and made us a state contender. His silky smooth style and ability to score from anywhere on the floor paves the way for a successful future,” said Lakota West Head Coach Jim Leon.
Girls Soccer-Gabbie Boehm- Heidelberg University
Boehm is a three year varsity defender. In three years on the varsity, she’s only seen a total of ten losses and finished her Firebird career as an OHSAA State Champion.
“Gabbie is a positive light on and off the field. A genuine character that always has the best interest of her teammates, coaches, and friends at the forefront of her mind. She has shown tremendous commitment to this program over her last four years, and beyond that, exceptional resilience and growth. She will be a phenomenal addition to Heidelberg and cannot wait to see the continued success she has through her next four years. We will miss Gabbie, her contagious smile, caring heart, and willingness to do whatever necessary for the betterment of the team,” said Lakota West Head Soccer Coach Brigit Reder.
Girls Soccer- Maddie Prohaska- Auburn University
With an immediate goalkeeper need at Auburn University, Maddie Prohaska made the decision to graduate from Lakota West a year early. From the net, Prohaska led the team to an OHSAA State Championship and a 22-0-2 record in her only season playing as a Firebird. She finished the season with nine shutouts in 19 appearances. She was also 1st team All-GMC.
“Maddie is a fierce competitor who never likes to settle. Her drive, dedication to reaching new heights, and work ethic has helped her achieve an amazing accomplishment of playing at Auburn University and graduating a year early. We are extremely thankful for her time spent with Lakota West Girls Soccer, and so very proud of her accomplishment with the team of winning a State Championship. We are so excited to see what her future holds at Auburn and the success she is bound to achieve. Maddie will be greatly missed but can’t wait to cheer her on from home,” said Lakota West Head Soccer Coach Brigit Reder.
Baseball- Alex Jarboe- Northwood University
The right-handed pitcher and 3rd baseman has been a starter for the Firebirds since his sophomore season. He has a career 10-3 record on the bump and 2.299 ERA. At the plate, he has a career batting average of .301 and OBP of .417
“Alex has been a huge part of this programs success over the last couple of years. He has been a leader on and off the field for this program. Alex has put in the work during practice and after, working towards becoming the best player he can be. His hard work has paid off and we are excited to watch him represent the Firebird baseball program at the next level,” said Lakota West Head Baseball Coach Brad Gschwind.
Baseball- Nic Lenzer- Centre College
Lenzer has been a catcher in the Firebird baseball program since his freshman year competing on GMC-leading freshman and JV teams.
“Nic is a great teammate and we are excited to see him get the opportunity to play in college. His hard work has paid off and we are looking forward to watching him represent the Firebird baseball program at Centre College next year,” said Lakota West Head Baseball Coach Brad Gschwind.
Track and Field- Malcolm Rencher- Huntington University
Rencher secured his spot in the Lakota West Track history books last season as he finished All-State in two different events. He finished 7th at the OHSAA State Championships in the long jump at 21’10” while also being a team member of the 7th place finishing 400 relay. He was also first team All-GMC on the 400 relay and second team All-GMC in the long jump last season.
“Malcolm is what Lakota West Track and Field is all about. Throughout Malcolm’s career at Lakota West he has time and again put everything on the line for the team. He is the ideal teammate that cares about the team more than himself. He has managed to carve our quite the high school career. Malcolm is a 2x indoor state qualifier and an outdoor state qualifier. He placed 7th in the long jump at last years outdoor state championship and was a part of the 7th place 4×100 team. I’ve never met a more selfless athlete. Huntington is getting a great athlete and an even better person. The Lakota West Track and Field family is extremely proud of Malcolm,” said Lakota West Head Coach Brent Eisenhard.
Track and Field- Julian Wagner- Miami University
Wagner is no stranger to the OHSAA State Championships. Sophomore year, his 400 relay team finished 17th and 800 relay finished 13th at the OHSAA State Championship. For his junior season, Wagner finished 15th in the 200 dash, 11th in the 100 dash and 7th in the 400 relay. Last season, he was first team All-GMC in 200 meter dash and 400 meter relay. He was also third team All-GMC in the 100 meter dash.
“Julian is a tireless worker, that takes his craft very seriously. He has overcome a lot this year in order to put himself in a position to compete at the collegiate level. He is one of the best male sprinters to walk the hallways of Lakota West. Julian is 3x state qualifier in various sprint and sprint relay events. Miami is not only getting a great kid but also a wonderful person. His best track days are ahead of him. He has helped build the Lakota West Track and Field program and his name will remain in the West record books for years to come. Sprinters like Julian don’t come around very often,” said Lakota West Head Coach Brent Eisenhard.
Soccer- Hunter Little- Transylvania University
Little was a three year defender for the Lakota West varsity squad. As a senior he was named first team All-GMC and scored six goals for the season.
“The West soccer team was extremely young this season. Hunter took many of the young player under his wing and showed them what it meant to be a Firebird soccer player. We had a successful season and without a doubt it was due to Hunter’s leadership and dedication to the program. It is this attribute that made Hunter a special part the Lakota West Men’s soccer program,” said Lakota West Soccer Head Coach Rick Cooper.
