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http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/high-sc...5a329.html

Quote:The sport of basketball has acted like an accordion on Nick Norton's family members, alternately bringing them together and pulling them apart.

Norton did what he could to bring the family together on Wednesday by signing a national letter of intent with the University of Alabama-Birmingham, where his father, Randy, is the women's basketball head coach.

"My parents are going to be there in the same town," said Norton, whose mother, Claire, works at Country Financial. "I just thought it was a great opportunity for the next four years..."

Quote:"Right when I got there for my visit, the coaches and I just connected," said Norton, who will play for head coach Jerod Haase. "We believed in the same stuff. I felt I'm surrounded with great guys."

Haase's assistants include former Central Catholic head coach Jeff Wulbrun. A future exercise science major, Norton sees opportunity at UAB.

Quote:Saints coach Jason Welch applauded Norton's choice.

"I think he'll have an opportunity to impact that program almost immediately and be close to some family," Welch said. "I think that's a neat situation.

"When I think of Nick Norton, I think of a leader, a guy who is willing to tell guys what needs to be done and also willing to do it himself. As good of a player as he is — and he is good — he is a better person."

Good for him. Interesting how his family ended up mostly together in faraway Birmingham, Alabama.

Good read.