Oct. 13--It might not have been her intention, but Young senior point guard Kiara Lewis won't be playing too far away from home next season.
Ranked No. 22 in the class of 2016 by ESPN, Lewis orally committed to Ohio State on Monday.
The 5-foot-10 Lewis, a consensus five-star recruit, chose Ohio State over Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas A and Maryland. Lewis made official visits to Tennessee, Georgia and Ohio State.
Lewis is part of a bumper crop of senior point guards from the Chicago area that includes Benet's Kathleen Doyle (Nebraska) and Joliet Catholic's Nicole Ekhomu (Florida State).
"The close distance was not much of a deciding factor, but it just worked out being five hours away and them playing in the Big Ten," Lewis said. "The games are close to home and my parents can go to them."
"I felt Ohio State was the better fit for me. I think in the next year or two that they can go far, possibly winning a national championship. I feel they have the right people in place and a pretty full roster of elite players."
Lewis' decorated career already includes leading Young to a Class 4A state championship in her sophomore season. The Dolphins lost 37-36 to Trinity in a 4A sectional final last season. Lewis sat out her entire freshman season because of a right knee injury, her second knee injury in a two-year span.
A Tribune first-team All-State selection in 2014-15, Lewis averaged 21 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the 28-2 Dolphins last season.
Young coach Corry Irvin expects Lewis to follow in the footsteps of former Dolphin point guards D'Frantz Smart and Chanise Jenkins by becoming a standout player in college.
"It was a good decision for her and lets her parents see her play a lot," Irvin said. "I think of all or the majority of our point guards are able to go to top schools. Kiara just followed along on that line or path. I think Ohio State is getting someone who has competed at the highest level on a consistent basis and proven herself at that level. I think it's a good fit for her."
Lewis' teammate, senior forward Isabelle Spingola, orally committed to Marquette on Sunday.
"I think Marquette is getting a sleeper in Isabelle," Irvin said. "I think she will be really accomplished."
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
