Sigel standing tall: Prophets' post playing prime part in paint

Claire Sigel has gone from a project to a projected college player.

The 6-foot-2 senior, who got very little playing time the past two seasons, is now playing the starring role for the Prophetstown Prophets girls basketball team.

Sigel played just 3 to 4 minutes per game the last two seasons. This season she’s averaging 13 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.

Sigel couldn’t be happier that all her hard work has paid off.

“Ever since I was young I wanted to grow up and be a Lady Prophet,” she said. “This year I finally got to start. I thought that was the coolest thing ever. I always wanted to come out and shake the little girls’ hands [a Prophetstown pregame tradition]. It feels like I’m a star.”

Lately, that she’s proving how true that feeling is. She has come into her own when it comes to controlling the paint, but her biggest asset down low is a mystery.

Sigel just isn’t sure where her height came from.

“I really don’t know how I’m this tall,” she said. “I’ve always been tall. My brother is 6-3 or 6-4, but my sister, my mom, my dad, everyone else in my entire family is short. I’ve always been the tallest one in school, and I’m still growing.”

This season has been all the more enjoyable for Sigel, considering the tough path she’s traveled. Knee injuries have plagued Sigel throughout her high school playing days.

“My freshman year I was out [injured],” she said. “I messed up my right knee at a basketball camp. I’ve had tons of problems with it. I had surgery at the end of last season.”

Long before surgeries, Sigel could be found honing her skills the same place so many players have in the past – on the playground.

“I live in Tampico, and I would always go to the park across the street and play basketball,” she said. “A lot of times I was by myself. I’d go late at night, turn on the lights and shoot around.”

Given her short stint as a key player for the Prophets, the recruiting attention Sigel has received has surprised her. She is still undecided about her college plans.