KETTERING -- You've seen it time and time again, many big-time high school athletes like to commit to their college of choice early to relieve some of the pressure. But that's not the case for one local basketball star who says he's OK to wait for the right school.
Jaaron Simmons has been a starter for local legendary coach Joe Petrocelli since he was a freshman.
''It's just been special, him putting confidence in me as a freshman, so I'm just trying to live up to his expectations and my own," Simmons told us while practicing inside Alter's gym.
Simmons' play over the years has drawn college recruiters from coast to coast. So with offers on the table from many different schools, Simmons could have committed at any time during his career, but opted instead to keep his options open.
''It's really getting hectic, but it's my fault, I waited this long," Simmons says. "So I have to take it and make the best decision for myself."
Local fans had hoped Simmons would become a Dayton Flyer, but he waited to decide and the scholarship was taken. Simmons says he wasn't ready to make a decision at that point. Simmons says he's not focused on the biggest school to give him an offer, just the right one.
''I want a place where I can play, be comfortable, and brighten my future," Simmons says.
The hoops star will leave his college decision for after the season, which he hopes will end with a state championship.
Simmons helped his team take a step closer to that goal with a win Tuesday night against Valley View. Alter plays again on Thursday night.
Jaaron Simmons has been a starter for local legendary coach Joe Petrocelli since he was a freshman.
''It's just been special, him putting confidence in me as a freshman, so I'm just trying to live up to his expectations and my own," Simmons told us while practicing inside Alter's gym.
Simmons' play over the years has drawn college recruiters from coast to coast. So with offers on the table from many different schools, Simmons could have committed at any time during his career, but opted instead to keep his options open.
''It's really getting hectic, but it's my fault, I waited this long," Simmons says. "So I have to take it and make the best decision for myself."
Local fans had hoped Simmons would become a Dayton Flyer, but he waited to decide and the scholarship was taken. Simmons says he wasn't ready to make a decision at that point. Simmons says he's not focused on the biggest school to give him an offer, just the right one.
''I want a place where I can play, be comfortable, and brighten my future," Simmons says.
The hoops star will leave his college decision for after the season, which he hopes will end with a state championship.
Simmons helped his team take a step closer to that goal with a win Tuesday night against Valley View. Alter plays again on Thursday night.