Panthers pair decide on colleges; 'Cane sifts through options

By DAWN REISS
Published April 12, 2006

Lecanto seniors Tara Haddock and Eddie Buckley traded in their prom dress and tuxedo for college jerseys this week. Both orally committed to college basketball programs - Haddock to Division II Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale and Buckley to Division III Oglethorpe University in Atlanta.

Citrus senior Walt Howard, who averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds per game, has been offered several Division II scholarships and said Tuesday the University of Miami has offered him a guaranteed walk-on spot.

Haddock, who averaged nine points, two assists and two steals on Lecanto's region quarterfinal team, had offers from Division II Florida Southern, Eckerd and Warner Southern, an NAIA program, said Ginny Haddock, Tara's mother. Haddock said she was considering signing with Florida Southern, which offered a cross country scholarship, with a written agreement she would play basketball. But after Florida Southern fired head coach Diane Foli following a 10-19 campaign, Haddock began to reconsider her future.

"It was a really hard decision, knowing who the coach is plays a big role," said Haddock, who has been a cross country/basketball/track star at Lecanto. "Really I just wanted to play basketball and do one sport for the first time in my life."

Haddock said she was struck by Nova Southeastern University's beautiful campus and the verbal offer she received from coach Marilyn Rule-Heinrich during her March 24 visit. After much debate this past weekend, Haddock gave her verbal blessing to the Sharks.

Haddock's prom date, Buckley, said he thought Oglethorpe University was the best fit for him with its small, athletic squad that likes to shoot the 3, just like the Panthers. Buckley averaged 13 points and five rebounds for Lecanto, helping the Panthers to their first district title and a playoff run to the Class 4A region semifinals.

Howard said he has several offers from Division II programs: University of Tampa, Anderson College (S.C.), Pfeiffer University (N.C.) and North Alabama. Howard will try out at Rollins College tomorrow and is waiting to hear back from Gardner Webb University, High Point, UNC-Charlotte and the Citadel.

[Last modified April 12, 2006, 01:08:07]