NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT SIGNING
NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT SIGNING George Asafo-Adjei-Football– University of Kentucky
The 6’4” 320lb offensive lineman joined Lakota West Grads Mikel Horton and Kyle Meadows at the University of Kentucky in January. Asafo-Adjei was named First Team All-State as a senior and special mention All-State as a junior. He also played in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl game in Carson, CA on January 4th. “What I’m most proud of is that he’s self-made. He doesn’t shy away from anything. From everything he’s accomplished, it’s been through his hard work. As good of a player he is, he’s an even better person.,” said Lakota West Head Coach Larry Cox.
Brady Bowling-Football-Gannon University The 6’3″, 265lb offensive lineman was named Second Team All-GMC as a senior. Bowling was a member of an offensive unit that broke numerous offensive production records over the last two seasons while the team had back-to-back playoff appearances. Bowling was also selected to play in the OHSFCA North-South All-Star Game in April. “He was one of our leaders on the offensive line. He did a good job of molding that unit into a successful group. Brady really came along his senior season. He has a high football IQ,” said Lakota West Head Football Coach Larry Cox.
Blake Darland-Football– Lake Erie College
The 6’ 0”, 163lbs quarterback broke numerous records at Lakota West despite only starting as quarterback his senior year of high school. His records include most passing yards in a game (357), most passing yards in a season (2,596), most touchdown passes in a game (5) and most touchdown passes in a season (17). Darland collected many post season accolades including First Team All-GMC, Enquirer Division I All-Area Selection and Ohio National Guard Player of the Year. “Blake is probably one of the most intelligent QB’s I’ve ever coached. His decision making is what set him apart this year. He does a great job of distributing the ball and understanding how to get the ball to the playmakers,” said Lakota West Head Football Coach Larry Cox.
Donte Horton-Football– Western Michigan The 6’4″ 207lb defensive end recorded 49 tackles and six tackles for loss this season. Horton was part of a defensive unit that led Lakota West to the state playoffs the last two seasons. “He has a tremendous work ethic. He overachieves because of his work ethic. He has great ‘get off’ on the line of scrimmage. Honestly, he’s only scratched the surface of his potential. His best football years are ahead of him,” said Lakota West Head Football Coach Larry Cox.
Dante Jones-Football– Indiana State University
The 6’2” 192lb receiver finished his senior season with 28 receptions for 447 yards and three touchdowns. Last season as a junior, Jones had 14 receptions for 281 yards and one touchdown. He was named 2nd Team All-GMC and played in the Blue-Grey All American Bowl. Jones also participates on the Lakota West track team. Last spring, Jones finished 4th in the 110 hurdles (15.48) at Districts and finished 2nd in the long jump (21’10”) at the GMC Championships. “He has worked very hard to earn this well-deserved opportunity. Indiana State is getting a fierce competitor that understands what it takes to succeed in the classroom and play at the next level. It is a win-win for everyone,” said Lakota West Head Coach Larry Cox.
NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT SIGNING Troy Jones-Football– Marian University The 6’0″, 270 lb defensive lineman finished his senior season with 53 total tackles and six tackles for loss. He was named First Team All-GMC. Jones was part of a defensive unit that led Lakota West to the state playoffs the last two seasons. “Troy is the epitome of a blue collar worker. Shows up each day with his lunch pail ready to work. He’s a great technician on the defensive line. He was the leader of that group and the kids worked to emulate what he does,” said Lakota West Head Football Coach Larry Cox.
Braxton Neal- Football– University of Cincinnati The 6’3” 175 lb receiver finished his senior season with 34 receptions for 500 yards and three touchdowns. He was named 1st Team All-GMC and honorable mention Cincinnati Enquirer Fall All-Star. Neal is a two sport athlete in football and track. He broke the school record this spring in the long jump with a leap of 22′ 2.75″. “"He's a natural receiver. It's effortless to watch him catch the football. He sort of takes the ball out of the air instead of catching it. When the ball is in the air he has good spatial awareness,” said Lakota West Head Football Coach Larry Cox
CJ Stalker-Football-University of Virginia
The 6’3” 224lb linebacker starts classes at the University of Virginia starting in January. Stalker was named First Team All-State as a senior after recording 139 tackles this season (Lakota West school record). He finished his high school career with 249 total tackles (2nd in Lakota West history). “CJ Stalker is a very physical football player. As a high school linebacker, CJ has the rare gift of size and speed, but his work ethic and quest for excellence is what has taken him to the elite level,” said Cox.
Nolan Ulizio– Michigan The 6’5” 284lb offensive tackle finished his senior season First Team All-GMC, First Team Journal-News All-Area Team and a Cincinnati Enquirer Football All-Star. Ulizio was a member of an offensive unit that broke numerous offensive production records over the last two seasons while the team had back-to-back playoff appearances. “He’s very aggressive. He’s a nasty ‘jerk’ on the field for lack of a better term. And, that’s what you want in your offensive linemen. He’s a smart player and you can see that on his film. He has a great work ethic,” said Cox.
Aaron Ledermeier-Soccer-Cincinnati State The senior defender was a member of the 13-5 Lakota West squad that recorded six shutouts this season. “Aaron is an outstanding athlete and soccer player. His play this year is without a doubt one of the reasons we had a successful season. His competitiveness and work rate along with his technical ability made Aaron a strong player at West,” said Lakota West Head Soccer Coach Rick Cooper.
NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT SIGNING Christian Lytle–Soccer- Case Western The senior defender was a member of the 13-5 Lakota West squad that recorded six shutouts this season. Lytle was named 1st Team All-GMC, All-City and All-State Second team. “Christian is a tremendous soccer player, and even better young man. He was a three year varsity player. His composure on the ball and tactical understanding of the game are what made him a vital part of the Lakota West success over the past three seasons,” said Lakota West Head Soccer Coach Rick Cooper.
Jake Mutlu-Soccer– Cincinnati State
The senior goalkeeper was a member of the 13-5 Lakota West squad that recorded six shutouts this season including a shutout against nationally ranked Mason during the regular season. Mutlu was named 1st Team All-GMC, All-City and All-State Second team. “Jake grew a great deal over the four years at West. He was a three year varsity player. His shot stopping ability is one of the finest we have had here at Lakota West, and he is without a doubt one of the finest keepers in Cincinnati,” said Lakota West Head Soccer Coach Rick Cooper.
Katrina Brickley-Soccer– Cincinnati State Brickley was a midfield/forward for the Firebirds squad this season. She recorded 3 goals and 2 assists her senior season. “Katrina added speed to our attack as an outside midfielder or as a forward. She has a wicked shot. Great passer finding open players,” said Lakota West Head Soccer Coach Jan Bennett.
Megan Lentz-Soccer– Cincinnati State Lentz was defender for the Firebird squad and was selected Second Team All-GMC this season. “Megan is a solid defender who is also an attacking threat making runs out of our defense. Smart player with good field vision,” said Bennett.
Evie Stepaniak-Soccer-Cincinnati State Stepaniak was a midfielder at Lakota West and was selected All-City, First Team All-GMC as a senior and Second Team All-GMC as a junior. She recorded 12 goals and 5 assists her senior season. “Evie is one of the most dynamic players to come out of West. Excellent ball skills and very creative. Willing to take on defenders 1v1,” said Bennett.
NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT SIGNING Jordan Wuest-Soccer– Thomas More College The defender/midfielder was named Second Team All-GMC both her junior and senior years. As a defender, Wuest still recorded one goal and two assists this season and one goal last season. With her help, the Firebirds have recorded ten shutouts over the last two seasons. “Jordan was a Team Captain earned from her attitude, leadership and work ethic. She is a versatile player leading our defense as a center back and was used as an attacking midfielder as well. Thomas More has a great player and person coming their way!” said Lakota West Head Varsity Girls Soccer Coach Jan Bennett.
The 6’4” 320lb offensive lineman joined Lakota West Grads Mikel Horton and Kyle Meadows at the University of Kentucky in January. Asafo-Adjei was named First Team All-State as a senior and special mention All-State as a junior. He also played in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl game in Carson, CA on January 4th. “What I’m most proud of is that he’s self-made. He doesn’t shy away from anything. From everything he’s accomplished, it’s been through his hard work. As good of a player he is, he’s an even better person.,” said Lakota West Head Coach Larry Cox.
Brady Bowling-Football-Gannon University The 6’3″, 265lb offensive lineman was named Second Team All-GMC as a senior. Bowling was a member of an offensive unit that broke numerous offensive production records over the last two seasons while the team had back-to-back playoff appearances. Bowling was also selected to play in the OHSFCA North-South All-Star Game in April. “He was one of our leaders on the offensive line. He did a good job of molding that unit into a successful group. Brady really came along his senior season. He has a high football IQ,” said Lakota West Head Football Coach Larry Cox.
Blake Darland-Football– Lake Erie College
The 6’ 0”, 163lbs quarterback broke numerous records at Lakota West despite only starting as quarterback his senior year of high school. His records include most passing yards in a game (357), most passing yards in a season (2,596), most touchdown passes in a game (5) and most touchdown passes in a season (17). Darland collected many post season accolades including First Team All-GMC, Enquirer Division I All-Area Selection and Ohio National Guard Player of the Year. “Blake is probably one of the most intelligent QB’s I’ve ever coached. His decision making is what set him apart this year. He does a great job of distributing the ball and understanding how to get the ball to the playmakers,” said Lakota West Head Football Coach Larry Cox.
Donte Horton-Football– Western Michigan The 6’4″ 207lb defensive end recorded 49 tackles and six tackles for loss this season. Horton was part of a defensive unit that led Lakota West to the state playoffs the last two seasons. “He has a tremendous work ethic. He overachieves because of his work ethic. He has great ‘get off’ on the line of scrimmage. Honestly, he’s only scratched the surface of his potential. His best football years are ahead of him,” said Lakota West Head Football Coach Larry Cox.
Dante Jones-Football– Indiana State University
The 6’2” 192lb receiver finished his senior season with 28 receptions for 447 yards and three touchdowns. Last season as a junior, Jones had 14 receptions for 281 yards and one touchdown. He was named 2nd Team All-GMC and played in the Blue-Grey All American Bowl. Jones also participates on the Lakota West track team. Last spring, Jones finished 4th in the 110 hurdles (15.48) at Districts and finished 2nd in the long jump (21’10”) at the GMC Championships. “He has worked very hard to earn this well-deserved opportunity. Indiana State is getting a fierce competitor that understands what it takes to succeed in the classroom and play at the next level. It is a win-win for everyone,” said Lakota West Head Coach Larry Cox.
NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT SIGNING Troy Jones-Football– Marian University The 6’0″, 270 lb defensive lineman finished his senior season with 53 total tackles and six tackles for loss. He was named First Team All-GMC. Jones was part of a defensive unit that led Lakota West to the state playoffs the last two seasons. “Troy is the epitome of a blue collar worker. Shows up each day with his lunch pail ready to work. He’s a great technician on the defensive line. He was the leader of that group and the kids worked to emulate what he does,” said Lakota West Head Football Coach Larry Cox.
Braxton Neal- Football– University of Cincinnati The 6’3” 175 lb receiver finished his senior season with 34 receptions for 500 yards and three touchdowns. He was named 1st Team All-GMC and honorable mention Cincinnati Enquirer Fall All-Star. Neal is a two sport athlete in football and track. He broke the school record this spring in the long jump with a leap of 22′ 2.75″. “"He's a natural receiver. It's effortless to watch him catch the football. He sort of takes the ball out of the air instead of catching it. When the ball is in the air he has good spatial awareness,” said Lakota West Head Football Coach Larry Cox
CJ Stalker-Football-University of Virginia
The 6’3” 224lb linebacker starts classes at the University of Virginia starting in January. Stalker was named First Team All-State as a senior after recording 139 tackles this season (Lakota West school record). He finished his high school career with 249 total tackles (2nd in Lakota West history). “CJ Stalker is a very physical football player. As a high school linebacker, CJ has the rare gift of size and speed, but his work ethic and quest for excellence is what has taken him to the elite level,” said Cox.
Nolan Ulizio– Michigan The 6’5” 284lb offensive tackle finished his senior season First Team All-GMC, First Team Journal-News All-Area Team and a Cincinnati Enquirer Football All-Star. Ulizio was a member of an offensive unit that broke numerous offensive production records over the last two seasons while the team had back-to-back playoff appearances. “He’s very aggressive. He’s a nasty ‘jerk’ on the field for lack of a better term. And, that’s what you want in your offensive linemen. He’s a smart player and you can see that on his film. He has a great work ethic,” said Cox.
Aaron Ledermeier-Soccer-Cincinnati State The senior defender was a member of the 13-5 Lakota West squad that recorded six shutouts this season. “Aaron is an outstanding athlete and soccer player. His play this year is without a doubt one of the reasons we had a successful season. His competitiveness and work rate along with his technical ability made Aaron a strong player at West,” said Lakota West Head Soccer Coach Rick Cooper.
NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT SIGNING Christian Lytle–Soccer- Case Western The senior defender was a member of the 13-5 Lakota West squad that recorded six shutouts this season. Lytle was named 1st Team All-GMC, All-City and All-State Second team. “Christian is a tremendous soccer player, and even better young man. He was a three year varsity player. His composure on the ball and tactical understanding of the game are what made him a vital part of the Lakota West success over the past three seasons,” said Lakota West Head Soccer Coach Rick Cooper.
Jake Mutlu-Soccer– Cincinnati State
The senior goalkeeper was a member of the 13-5 Lakota West squad that recorded six shutouts this season including a shutout against nationally ranked Mason during the regular season. Mutlu was named 1st Team All-GMC, All-City and All-State Second team. “Jake grew a great deal over the four years at West. He was a three year varsity player. His shot stopping ability is one of the finest we have had here at Lakota West, and he is without a doubt one of the finest keepers in Cincinnati,” said Lakota West Head Soccer Coach Rick Cooper.
Katrina Brickley-Soccer– Cincinnati State Brickley was a midfield/forward for the Firebirds squad this season. She recorded 3 goals and 2 assists her senior season. “Katrina added speed to our attack as an outside midfielder or as a forward. She has a wicked shot. Great passer finding open players,” said Lakota West Head Soccer Coach Jan Bennett.
Megan Lentz-Soccer– Cincinnati State Lentz was defender for the Firebird squad and was selected Second Team All-GMC this season. “Megan is a solid defender who is also an attacking threat making runs out of our defense. Smart player with good field vision,” said Bennett.
Evie Stepaniak-Soccer-Cincinnati State Stepaniak was a midfielder at Lakota West and was selected All-City, First Team All-GMC as a senior and Second Team All-GMC as a junior. She recorded 12 goals and 5 assists her senior season. “Evie is one of the most dynamic players to come out of West. Excellent ball skills and very creative. Willing to take on defenders 1v1,” said Bennett.
NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT SIGNING Jordan Wuest-Soccer– Thomas More College The defender/midfielder was named Second Team All-GMC both her junior and senior years. As a defender, Wuest still recorded one goal and two assists this season and one goal last season. With her help, the Firebirds have recorded ten shutouts over the last two seasons. “Jordan was a Team Captain earned from her attitude, leadership and work ethic. She is a versatile player leading our defense as a center back and was used as an attacking midfielder as well. Thomas More has a great player and person coming their way!” said Lakota West Head Varsity Girls Soccer Coach Jan Bennett.
