Story and photos by Cort Reynolds
Ada High School senior standout Courtney Sumner signed a college letter of intent to play basketball for Ohio Northern University Tuesday afternoon, January 10.
Sumner thus follows in the footsteps of her current All-American wrestling brother Chase and father Jason, as well as her former Ada coach Morgan (Dumbaugh) Bass, as Polar Bears.
In fact, playing with Chase as a youngster in their stone driveway is what got Courtney interested in basketball. The duo spent a lot of days practicing at the family court when she was growing up, sparking her love for the game. “Chase was pretty hard on her,” said Jason Sumner, the former Ada wrestling head coach.
Courtney seriously considered Bluffton University and Malone but settled on Ohio Northern, informing Bear head coach Mark Huelsman of her decision January 2. “I thought I’d fit in better at ONU,” she explained. “They play at a faster pace and it is a family atmosphere at ONU."
She plans to major in early childhood education and reside on campus.
Ada head coach Zach Ricker said, “I know her goal was to play close to home. To play early on, Courtney will have to find a role where she learns how to contribute with her athleticism.”
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