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

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Prophetstown’s Claire Sigel (54) battles for a rebound against Newman’s Kaitlyn Hunsberger (20) during their Three Rivers Conference game last Monday. Sigel has gone from little-used reserve to standout center for the Prophets. (Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@svnmail.com)

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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.

“It’s crazy coming from sitting on the bench just wanting to start one game, to colleges calling me every week,” she said. “I never expected all this.

“I played in the Westwood Elite League and had a couple colleges talking to me. Nobody knew who I was.”

More playing time has meant more memories for Sigel to reflect on and enjoy. There have been a few games this season that stand out as her favorites.

“In the Prophetstown Tournament we had an amazing game against Lena-Winslow,” she said. “I think I had 27 points. I was on a roll. I hit my head really hard in the last 2 minutes of the game and could hardly see. But, I told my coach that I wasn’t coming out.

“My favorite game of all was when we beat Bureau Valley. I work in Walnut. That’s all Bureau Valley fans. We had the will to win. It was an amazing game.”

Sigel and longtime Prophetstown coach Don Robinson are quick to credit assistant coach Megan Barton for much of Sigel’s development.

“Coach Barton works with me every day,” Sigel said. “It’s made me so much better.”

“For 3 years, coach Barton has worked with Claire on her post moves,” Robinson added. “She’s given her a lot of one-on-one attention.”

The Prophets (12-17, 6-8 Three Rivers Conference) haven’t been as successful as some of the school’s storied teams from over the years. But that’s not the least bit discouraging to Sigel.

“Although it may seem like we’re not the best team around, we work just as hard an anyone else,” she said. “It’s not just me. Everyone helps out.”

Robinson cited Sigel’s perseverance as the main reason she is where she is.

“She’s come a long way in two years,” he said. “She’s surprised a lot of people. She has diligently practiced. She’s put in the time.”

Sigel file

Hometown: Tampico
School: Prophetstown
Year: Senior
Position: Center
Stats: 13 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.6 blocks per game
FYI: Played sparingly until this season, when she earned starting spot.

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