Prahalis returning to Commack to hold camp
Ohio State's Samantha Prahalis drives past Nebraska's Emily Cady, right, in the first half in Lincoln, Neb. (Feb. 26, 2012) Credit: AP
Before Sammy Prahalis is drafted into the WNBA April 16, she will return to Commack to hold a basketball camp for girls between the ages of 7 and 14 Saturday at Commack High School.
The Ohio State point guard, who is expected to be one of the top picks in the draft, will work on different aspects of the game and have lunch with the girls. There will be awards handed out, too. The camp will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
"It's just a fun day to spend with young girls who love basketball," said Prahalis, who was the 2012 Big Ten Player of the Year. "I am doing it because I want to give back to the community. I don't remember anything like this when I was a kid, and that is another reason to do this."
Commack was the top choice for a site to hold the camp, but with such short notice, Prahalis assumed the gym would be booked. She was relieved to discover it would be available.
"It's really special to hold it at Commack," said Prahalis, who played six years for the Cougars in her spectacular high school career. "Commack will always be a part of me and I will always remember my roots."
Prahalis holds the Big Ten record with 901 career assists and is the only player in conference history to record 2,000 points and 900 assists.
She also is a finalist for the Lieberman Award, which is given to the nation's top point guard. Prahalis averaged 19.8 points, 6.2 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 2.2 steals in her senior season.
Her college career ended last week when the Buckeyes lost to Florida, 70-65, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Ohio State, unranked in the preseason, finished 25-7.
"I'm super-excited for the future," Prahalis said. "My college career ended, but a new chapter is beginning. It was always a goal to reach the WNBA. I'm grateful that I will get the opportunity to get that goal."
