Seven schools for 2007 Sanchez

Michael Sanchez, the No. 39 ranked player in the class of 2007, had two solid outings this past weekend in the Holiday Hoops Tournament at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Ark. The 6-foot-7, 205-pound small forward from Springdale (Ark.) High School is averaging a double-double and has a school list of seven top programs.

“Right now I am being recruited by Wake Forest, Kansas, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Illinois and Oklahoma State,” said Sanchez. “I don’t have a leader. I like them all.”

Already with an offer from nearby Arkansas, Sanchez is willing to play anywhere in the country as long as the school has a very strong basketball program.

“I want to go somewhere where basketball is a dominant sport at the university,” he said. “Basketball needs to be very important at the school. I’m not worried about style of play. I can fit in with any type of program.”

In fact his versatility on the court is Sanchez’s greatest asset. With his size, he can play inside where he mainly plays for his high school team, but he can also handle the ball, see the court and slash to the basket. He has a developing jump shot, that does need further improvement, and Sanchez does need to get significantly stronger in his three remaining high school season.

“For my high school team I am playing down low and posting, since I am our tallest player,” he said. “Occasionally I step out and hit a three. I also help bring the ball up the court a lot.

“I have been playing alright, but I think I could do better. I could score more and get more rebounds.”

Averaging 18 points and 12 rebounds per game this season for 3-3 Springdale, Sanchez scored 22 points and grabbed 11 points in a 10 point loss to a very good Hamilton High School team from Memphis, Tenn. Against Camden Fairview (Ark.) High School, Sanchez registered 13 points and 11 rebounds in a 10 point win.