By Sue Teggart
C & G Sports Writer

HARRISON TOWNSHIP — Surrounded by family, friends, teammates, coaches and teachers, Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse senior Carlay Stahl signed on the dotted line to continue her basketball career with the University of Findlay in Ohio.

Stahl received a full scholarship to play Division 2 hoops for the Oilers.

“It’s really exciting,” she said. “A lot of pressure is off now. I finally chose a college that I really like, so it’s a big relief.”

Before committing with the Oilers, Stahl looked into Northwood University, Hillsdale College and Tiffin University.

“I was looking a lot into the GLIAC (Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference), because I know most of them are in Michigan,” Stahl said. “But (Findlay) is close by. It’s only two hours away. Plus, I really liked the girls on the basketball team. They were really welcoming. I really liked the coaches and everything they said about basketball and how they run their program.”

Stahl said she made the quick trip down I-75 to Findlay’s campus four times before making her final decision.

“I kind of wanted to know for sure,” Stahl said. “It’s such a big decision. A year ago, I went to one of their games. Then this past April, I went again and I toured the college, which really helped because they have a variety of majors, and I’m not sure what I want to go into. A month or so ago, I stayed for an overnight visit in the dorms.

“I’m really happy to be going there,” Stahl continued. “I’m so excited for the next four years. The last time I went down there, which was a few months ago, the four other recruits also came, so I got to meet all of them too, and we all got along.”

Stahl said the connection she felt with the team and coaches kept drawing her back to Findlay.

“I just really got along with the team, the girls and the coaches,” she said. “I felt like since I was one of their first recruits, I just had that feeling that I belonged there.”

L’Anse Creuse girls basketball coach Lisa Downey said Stahl has a lot to offer the Oilers. At 6 feet 1, Stahl is a strong inside presence, averaging 19 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks last season for the Lancers.

“She’s a great scorer,” Downey said. “Last year, she would have tons of attention when she was on the court, but she would find ways to score. She’s a finesse player. She’s just really skilled, has soft hands and a soft shooting touch. She can score in a variety of ways, and she is improving her perimeter game and her outside shooting, which is very important for college and for us this season.”

Stahl said Downey was a major factor in helping her train and develop her all-around game during the recruiting process.          

“Coach Downey helped a lot during the offseason,” Stahl said. “She helped me with my jump shots and trying to play outside the key instead of just being a center, so I’m kind of an all-around player.”

Downey said apart from Stahl’s talent, her greatest asset as she takes the next step in her career is that she’s a desirable teammate.

“A lot of great players … think they don’t have to work as hard because they’re better than people on the team, but Carlay is the one who thinks she should do more because she is so good,” Downey said.

“She’s just a great role model, leader, and shows her dedication and love for the game. I’ve coached a lot of kids with a lot of talent … and Carlay is the complete package.”

You can reach Sports Writer Sue Teggart at steggart@candgnews.com or at (586) 279-1107.