Craig Pearson
The Tribune-Star
TERRE HAUTE —
A three-sport standout from Mansfield, Ohio, who averaged 21 points and 15 rebounds as a junior will join the Indiana State women's basketball team in 2011.
Racheal Mahan, a 6-foot-1 forward who said she's "best at being aggressive and getting rebounds," informed the ISU coaching staff of her verbal commitment Sunday.
Similar to former Sycamore captain Kara Schilli's prep career, Mahan excels on the track and the volleyball court in addition to basketball.
In the past two springs, Mahan has qualified for the state finals in the
100- and 300-meter hurdles, and has been the Mansfield Tygers' leader on the volleyball court.
In the winter, Mahan's athleticism has helped her draw interest from major programs, and her basketball development is still in its early stages. Mahan didn't play organized basketball until the eighth grade.
"From there, she's blossomed into a real nice ball player. She's probably
one of the better big girls in the state of Ohio," Mansfield Senior coach
Todd Krill said. "At one time, we had Ohio State, Michigan and Michigan
State calling about her. They wanted her to play a 3 position, but I see her as a better fit with a mid-major."
Mahan fielded scholarship offers from Iona, Eastern Michigan, Wright State and Northern Kentucky.
Mahan helped the Tygers to a 14-8 record in the 2009-10 season. Mansfield plays in Division I — the largest class in Ohio.
Krill enjoys the competitiveness of his standout player more than anything.
"She just loves being involved in athletics. She'll give you 100 percent,"
Krill said.
Mahan said she worked hard during the offseason and with her AAU coach on ball handling and shooting.
"I'm a decent shooter, but I'm still developing a perimeter game," she said.
Mahan's physical abilities help her against some of the competition she
faces in basketball, Krill said.
"Being a a little over 6-foot, she's just so mobile," Krill said. "After she
gets a rebound, she's beating half the other team down the floor after rebounding it."
Mahan said she scores many of her points off offensive rebounds. Her
season-highs last winter were 36 points and 20 rebounds.
"It helps a lot that I have quickness and speed to get up and down the
court. That's an advantage I have over some of the other players," Mahan said.
Mahan could become a versatile threat at the Division I level, Krill said.
"She blocks shots, and we've had her out on the perimeter to guard people too. She can get down and get after people," Krill said. "It makes her a real good threat. Her competitive spirit is unbelievable too."
Krill said he's helped channel that competitiveness into making her hungry rebounder.
"She has a great nose for the ball," Krill said. "Her and I talk a lot about
where the ball's shot from and where it will come off. If you don't put a
good check on her, nine times out of 10 she'll get that offensive rebound."
Mahan made two visits to ISU's campus since the Sycamores showed interest earlier this summer.
"I had a chance to meet the girls, they made me feel right at home. Just the campus itself and the fan support and stuff like that, put ISU over the top," Mahan said.
Mahan joins McCutcheon senior guard Jessica Valley in ISU's 2011 recruiting class. The Sycamores already have three commitments for their 2012 class.
ISU coaches cannot comment on players until the player signs a national
letter-of-intent.
