Ryle's Crittendon commits to Xavier for 2012

Written by Mike Dyer    Ryle's Crittendon commits to Xavier for 2012

CINCINNATI -- Ryle High forward Jenna Crittendon had been recruited by Xavier since her sophomore year and she always felt comfortable with the Musketeers coaching staff, including when new head coach Amy Waugh was an assistant.

Those factors helped lead Crittendon to make a decision to verbally commit to Xavier on Saturday, according to Ryle girls' basketball coach Patti Oliverio.

Crittendon, 5 feet 10, was an Enquirer first-team all-area selection last season. She averaged 12.7 points, 8.9 rebounds, three steals and two assists during her junior year.  "I think she has so much upside," Oliverio said. "I don't think she is close to reaching her potential. She is still getting bigger and strong as well. She is such a great athlete."

Crittendon had offers from schools that included UC, Marquette, Eastern Kentucky, Western Kentucky, South Alabama, Evansville and Florida Atlantic, according to Oliverio. She also received interest from DePaul and Vanderbilt.

Oliverio said Crittendon considered UC, Xavier and Marquette among her final choices.
"She plays the complete game," Oliverio said. "With a college coach, they have a kid who is tough and plays hard and that's something you can't teach."

Crittendon is the first reported area commitment in the 2012 class under Waugh.

Congratulations Jenna!