By Joe Henricksen
At this time of the year Division III programs keep their fingers crossed that they can land the players they covet. There is always the chance a bigger school comes in and sweeps away their top targets. In the end, though, there is that steal or two at the Division III level every year.
With the announcement tonight that Morton big man Luke Scarlata has committed to Augustana, coach Grey Giovanine may just have the Division III steal of the year. Scarlata let the Augie staff know of his decision Wednesday evening.
Scarlata, who was instrumental in the resurgence of Morton basketball over the past three years, was MVP of the Proviso West Holiday Tournament and has been among the top 50 players in the Hoops Report Class of 2009 player rankings. The Hoops Report anticipates Scarlata being an impact player as a freshman in the CCIW. He is a 6-8 skilled big man who utilizes both hands so well around the basket. Once he adds strength and tones his body with a college weight program, the sky is the limit at the Division III level for Scarlata.
Both Luke and his family were blown away by the hospitality during their trip to the Augustana campus this past weekend. The combination of the people within the program and college, along with the academics and the current players on the roster, helped make the decision.
THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH GOING TO A D-3 SCHOOL, THE
CCIW CONFERENCE IS A GREAT CONFERENCE, SURE THEY CAN'T
GIVE YOU AN ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP, BUT THEY DO HAVE MONEY
TO GIVE AN ATHLETE IN VARIOUS FORMS OF FINANCIAL AID!
CONGRATS TO LUKE SCARLETA AND HIS FAMILY, NOW HIS FAMILY
WILL GET TO SEE HIM PLAY, AND HE WILL RECEIVE A GREAT
EDUCATION AND CONTINUE TO PLAY A SPORT THAT HE LOVES!
THE BOTTOM LINE IT'S NOT WHERE YOU GO, IT'S WHAT SCHOOL
THAT SHOWS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY BIG LOVE, AND WILL TAKE
CARE OF YOU WHEN YOU HIT CAMPUS!
HOPEFULLY LUKE WILL HELP GET AUGUSTANA TO THE CCIW TITLE
GAME, AND INTO THE D-3 TOURNAMENT!
Luke made a very heady, wise, and mature decision. A great life decision! Augustana is full of very classy
basketball players, staff, and many other student athletes. When visiting the college Luke was very in tune with being aware that it was "his fit". The basketball coaches, players, and faculty are the very best.
Luke has an inborn ability to succeed and he will have the very best of experiences at Augustana all the way around! We are so proud of you Luke! Lets get a CCIW title!
I have seen this guy play in High School. HES A BEAST!