Three schools on top for Lauderdale

Right now Dallas Lauderdale of Solon (Ohio) High School is focused on his junior season, and he started it off in a strong way with an 18 point, 15 rebounds and 5 blocks performance in his teams first win of the season. After the season, Lauderdale, a 6-foot-8, 235-pound power forward and the No. 21 ranked prospect in the class of 2007 will focus on choosing a school. Three schools are presently at the top of the list.

"I'm hearing from Syracuse, North Carolina, Ohio State, Louisville, Michigan, Michigan State, Illinois and Kentucky," Lauderdale told Rivals.com. "Syracuse, North Carolina and Ohio State are my top three schools, but I have not eliminated anybody. Right now I am concentrating on the season. I want to stay open through the season, and then after the season, I want to choose a school."

Presently, Lauderdale has offers from Syracuse and Ohio State. The fact that they have early offers on the table will not necessarily help them, but Ohio State being close to Lauderdale's home will help the Buckeyes.

"I'm not concerned with who has or hasn't offered me right now," said Lauderdale. "What is important to me is location and if the school has the major that I want although I'm not sure what I want to major in right now.

"All of these schools have excellent basketball programs and play in great leagues. I'm going to get strong competition in practice and in the games. Competition is what I want basketball wise. I'm just trying to get better."

Lauderdale praised the coaching staffs of each of his top three schools and then gave a quick breakdown on the positives of each school.

"With Ohio State, obviously location is a plus," he said. "I'm also good friends with David Lighty who is going there.

"Syracuse has sent a lot of big men and players in general to the NBA.

"North Carolina is the defending champs, and they are consistently producing NBA draft picks."