Jacks sign another top recruit

BROOKINGS, S.D. - South Dakota State University signed California high school prospect Michael Palarca to a letter of intent on Tuesday, indicating his plans to enroll at SDSU next fall and participate in the men’s basketball program.

A 5-10 guard from Santa Clarita, Calif., and Chatsworth High Shcool’s all-time leader in points, assists and steals, Palarca averaged 18.7 points, 7.3 assists and 5.1 steals per game in 2006-07 as a senior. He also led the Chancellors to a 20-8 record and into the second round of the Los Angeles City Championship.

Palarca also led Chatsworth to a 9-1 West Valley League record, earning him league most valuable player honors in the process. In addition to his MVP honors, he earned all-city and all-area honors during his senior year, when he ranked 13th in the nation with 134 steals.

In two previous years on the varsity squad at Chatsworth High School, Palarca averaged 15.2 points, 8.4 assists and 5.5 steals per game and earned first-team All-West Valley both years and all-city honors as a junior.

Palarca took home defensive player of the tournament honors after leading Chatsworth to the Chaminade Christmas Classic Tournament championship during the 2005-06 season.

Palarca joins a trio of recruits who signed on with the Jackrabbits so far this off-season, including Dale Moss, who averaged 18 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists per game as a senior; Clint Sargent, who averaged 19 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4 assists per game during his senior season; and Josh Cassaday, who averaged 19 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game during his senior season.