Three Findlay Prep stars sign, open doors for teammates

Right about now, DeAndre Liggins knows just how Jacques Streeter feels, who knows how Deividas Dulkys feels, who knows how Curtis Dennis feels.

The four Findlay Prep basketball standouts signed national letters of intent Wednesday with their respective schools -- Kentucky for Liggins, New Mexico for Streeter, Florida State for Dulkys, Cal State Fullerton for Dennis -- finally putting pen to paper after months, and sometimes years, of recruiting.

Pilots coach Michael Peck said it benefited his players to experience the recruiting process through their teammates.

"It gives the other guys a feel for how it works, how it goes down," Peck said. "For the guys at Florida State (Dulkys) and Kentucky (Liggins), everything is bigger. It's good for the younger guys to see it."

Better yet, having so many stars at one school provides exposure to the younger stars. But not just at one school -- as Las Vegas has matured as a sports town, talented players have led college coaches to other talented players.

But it's not always all roses and sunshine.

When players battle for exposure on the same team, some are left in the dust. Or, even worse, on the bench.

"It hasn't been easy," said Utah State signee Jasmine Harris of the Las Vegas Rage Cold club softball team and Shadow Ridge High. "When I was going up to 18-and-under for the first time, I thought it would be really easy. But once I realized we were all in a fight for doing our best or getting a spot, it was difficult.

"It was hard showing coaches that I was trying to go to the next level."