Rhoda Classen has earned a reputation as one of the most athletically gifted young ladies to ever wear a Rector uniform. Now, the multi-sport standout will have the opportunity to display her ability on the hardwood as a member of the Crowley's Ridge College Lady Pioneers basketball team.

Classen signed with the Paragould college during a special ceremony Thursday at the RHS gym. CRC coach Ty Clothier was in Rector to formally welcome Classen to the Lady Pioneers.  "She can do so many things on the court," Clothier said of Classen. "She brings a level of hustle and intensity that you want to have in your program. I like to run the floor and she can do that immediately. I just think she's a good fit for our team."

Clothier said he saw enough good things from Classen during an April 30 workout to offer her a position on his team without hesitation.  Classen may be classified as guard/forward, but she has the skill set to play all five positions on the floor.  "Rhoda can do it all," Rector coach Mark Manchester said. "We've used her in every spot on the floor and if there was a sixth position, she'd play that, too. She can handle the basketball, guard quick players or bigger opponents and shoot the ball. I can't say enough good things about her. I think her best basketball is ahead of her."

Classen is happy to have the chance to play basketball at CRC.  "I've always wanted to play college ball," Classen said. "That's always been a goal of mine. This is pretty much a dream come true for me."  Playing at Paragould will provide a good mix of freedom and familiarity.  "I'll be in a place where I'm comfortable," Classen said. "I'll be away at college, but it's close enough to home that I won't feel like I'm all alone, either."

Adding to the sense of familiarity will be the presence of friend and teammate Chelsea Drope who also signed with CRC.  "It's definitely an advantage to be going into this with Chelsea. I'm going to have someone that I already know and have a connection with when we start. I think it will be good for both of us."

[Rhoda won the Rector High School Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship, $1,000; and a Crowley's Ridge College Athletic Scholarship, of $17,600 over four years.]*  In the picture is CRC signee Rhoda Classen (front, right) with her mother Rhonda. Back--CRC coach Ty Clothier and RHS coach Mark Manchester.