Arguably the top dynamic duo in Oregon 3A basketball are 2021 stars Shelby Blodgett and Olivia Sprague! The dynamic duo has signed to play collegiate basketball at Oregon Institute of Technology. The dynamic duo has lead Clatskanie HS to two straight State Titles, both earning two straight First Team All State honors and Shelby earned two straight State Player of The Year honors.
I had the opportunity to interview both stars and here is what they had to say below:
What other schools were you considering ?
Shelby
I’ve been mostly interesting in OIT but I was also looking into NCU and St.Martins.
Olivia
I had a couple other schools I was considering. I went to the University of Montana camp and was on their radar. Then I was in discussion with coach Pilgerim from Corban University, coach Meadors at NCU, and LCC
Why commit so early to OIT?
Shelby
I decided to commit early to OIT because I have been offered a full ride regardless of what happens my senior year. I also visited and loved the school, it has the exact field I want to go into.
Olivia
I had an offer from OIT for awhile, I went on my visit back in October and i almost signed then but decided to wait to see if it was still as perfect later on as it was then. I really enjoy the area in which the school is located and education wise it’s a super strong school in the major I plan on going into. Plus the coach and players there were extremely inviting and I loved how the community was so important to them. It reminded me of clatskanie.
What position will you play?
Shelby
I will mostly be playing at 3 and 4.
Olivia
I will play point guard and shooting guard
Will you consider playing softball ?
Shelby
I have been thinking about playing softball as well and will be meeting / pitching for the head softball coach later this summer.
Olivia
I signed to play softball as well along with basketball.
Goals this upcoming season ?
Shelby
This upcoming season , my goal is to really grow my ball handling and three point shot. I also hope to reach 2,000 points and set the Oregon record for career rebounds. I have 1316 and the record is 1642 , so I need 326!
Olivia
For this upcoming season the goal is to get better individually and as a team. Approaching this season there will be a lot of pressure surrounding us based on expectations, but we plan to keep taking it game by game. Make sure we always win the practice so that way we are set up for success in our games. I think this year the plan is to pick up the level of intensity in practice, just to ensure that we are making each other better.
How have you kept busy during COVID-19?
Shelby
During Covid, I have been doing a workout program and will be starting with a personal trainer soon. I have also been working on strength , agility , and ball handling.
Olivia
During this corona break, thankfully my aau team is still playing. I’ve been practicing 4 days a week, and we have tournaments in Colorado, Tennessee, and Phoenix twice. Plus I’m able to shoot at outside courts in town and go to the track to run!
Thanks for your time ladies, congrats on your commitment and good luck this upcoming season!