IPFW landed yet another local basketball talent on Wednesday, as Angola High School guard Rachel Rinehart verbally committed to play for the Mastodons following her 2013 graduation.
Rinehart came to this decision after developing a strong relationship with IPFW coach Chris Paul and his staff. According to a release, the 5-foot-7 senior felt IPFW iwas the best fit for her academically, athletically, and due to its proximity to Angola.
“We are very proud of Rachel’s decision to attend IPFW," Spiece Gym Rats coach Gil Farley said. "Rachel is a very talented player who will do well in Coach Paul’s system."
Rinehart plays in the summer for the Spiece Gym Rats and chose the Mastodons over other NCAA Division I programs Eastern Illinois and Quinnipiac University.
The left-handed point guard is aggressive and versatile on the court. Farley said that she is also very skilled offensively and in transition. At the defensive end of the floor, her summer coach referred to her as "tenacious."
During her junior season at Angola, Rinehart averaged 14.5 points and 5.8 assists per game.
She becomes the second Fort Wayne-area player to commit out of that class to IPFW. Indiana Junior All-Star Ariana Simmons of both Spiece Gym Rats and South Side High School as verbal commitments to the Mastodons.
