Sam Ohlrich Recruiting Report (2017)
Entering his final high school spring, Sam Ohlrich (Marian Central Catholic) is embracing his best college options.
“Both St. Ambrose and Trinity both need me to play almost right away, from the start,” said Ohlrich. “They want me to have a big role.”
St. Ambrose is one of his top choices.
“It is a great school, but it is close to home, but not so close that I feel like I am really close to home,” said Ohlrich. “Coaches are really nice. And I really like the team.”
The 6-foot-8 forward reports active offers from St. Ambrose (IA), Trinity International, Mount Mercy (IA), Minot State (ND). Though Judson University has offered their contact dissipated in the recent months.
All of them have recruited me as a stretch 4 that could also take the ball inside,” said Ohlrich. “I don’t think any of them are looking at me playing distinctly outside or distinctly a post player.”
Class of 2017 Sam Ohlrich (@S_Ohlrich32) ranks #167 in the state.
Sam Ohlrich Official Visit
Though new colleges can always enter the picture late, Ohlrich must be narrowing his focus soon. With intentions to play for a team that wants him and not a team that stumbles upon him the big man is eyeing one certain official visit.
“I have taken unofficial to Trinity and St. Ambrose,’ said Sam Ohlrich. “I am planning an official to Minot after the season.”
Minot State’s Beavers are 12-13 in Head Coach Matt Murken’s fifth season. Formerly an NAIA-jugernaut, MSU joined NCAA DII in 2012. As a DII program, MSU’s contact with Ohlrich is a little more restricted.
All four of the programs have opted to evaluate Sam in person this winter.
The Minot State official visit “would probably be late March,” said Ohlrich. “I am waiting to take most of the visits after the season.”
Both Sam Ohlrich and his mother, Jenny Ohlrich are likely to make the trek to Minot, North Dakota.
Mount Mercy
The Mount Mercy Mustangs (NAIA-DII) are led by a like-sized big man in Northwestern graduate Aaron Jennings. Head Coach Jennings mostly scours his home state of Iowa for recruits, but sprinkled in are a few Illinois products. Senior center Josh Williams prepped in Aurora and Mount Mercy’s leading rebounder C.J. Parker grew up in Chicago, Illinois.
The Mustangs are graduating four frontcourt players and desperately need some size to fill their void. Though Ohlrich astutely sees more immediate need at St. Ambrose and Trinity International, Mount Mercy also has a need at his position.
When would Sam Ohlrich like to make his decision?
“Nothing specific yet,” said Ohlrich. “Before signing day…probably after I take my official to Minot.”
Until late March Ohlrich is still open to new options. He tends to play well under a watchful eye. When Minot State hopped down to Marian Central Catholic to evaluate Ohlrich played wonderfully.
“I played really well,” said Ohlrich. “I think I had 22 or 24 points. I showed them I could stretch the floor or I could play inside as well.”
With many landmark moments scheduled shortly for the senior, perhaps the most compelling will be Sam Ohlrich’s looming college selection.