On hand for Purdue's home victory against Penn State on Sunday were the ever-present wonder twins of Ta'Shia Phillips and Amber Harris. Also in the arena on an unofficial visit was 5'11 sophomore Alison Jackson of Fenwick High (IL). The Jackson family were invited guests of Northwestern last week when Purdue put on a miserable performance in Evanston, but got a much more favorable view of the Boilers on Sunday.

Until the Northwestern game, Purdue had not shown much interest at all in Jackson, as she went on her own tour of midwest basketball programs and had no firm plan to visit Purdue. Her recent visit to campus has changed that, and the Jackson's are now considering another visit for Purdue's final home regular season home game against Wisconsin later this month, if the schedule permits.

Jackson is looking at a host of Big Ten programs, but also looking at a couple schools in the SEC and ACC. Northwestern has already offered a scholarship, and Illinois and Marquette join the Wildcats as schools currently high on her early list. She also plans to take visits to Minnesota, Iowa and Penn State. All have a legitimate shot at moving up that list, as she is just beginning the process of looking at programs.

Purdue is starting to inquire about Chicago players in the 2007 class. In addition to Jackson, Purdue is said to also be interested in scouting 6'2 Devereaux Peters of Fenwick, 5'9 Tatiana Ortiz of Von Steuben, and 5'8 Latear Eason of John Hope.

Other Chicago area underclassmen in attendance for the Northwestern/Purdue game included 6'4 sophomore Amy Jaeschke of New Trier, 6'1 Wheeling sophomore Taylor Lawless, 6'2 junior Kaitlyn McInerney of Benet Academy, and 5'9 sophomore guard Meshia Reed of Hillcrest.

J&C on Dee Dee Jernigan

The Journal and Courier had a blurb and a quote from Boiler target Dee Dee Jernigan a few weeks ago, mentioning Purdue among her list of 10 schools. Jernigan stated she was in no hurry to commit to a program, but expressed an interest in wanting to play close to home. She also said "Purdue is at or near the top of my list".

Sophomore Sydney Smallbone mentioned with Purdue

Several Big Ten programs are scouting South Bend sophomore guard Sydney Smallbone, including Purdue, Michigan and Illinois. St. Joseph's is ranked No. 1 and holds a 18-1 record going into Sectional play beginning February 8th. The team's only loss this season was to Dee Dee Jernigan's East Chicago Central.

Photos online of Helgeson

Those interested in a taking a look at Stephanie Helgeson in action should check out the pictures posted on the W. Blain Photography site. Click on the link for the January 27th game between Dominican and Mt. Carmel. There are hundreds of photos from the game posted. Stephanie is wearing No. 44 in black.

READ MORE: W. Blain Photography

A look at Lauren Mioton

Times-Picayune staff writer Billy Turner has done a great piece on Boiler signee Lauren Mioton.

READ MORE: Times Picayune

Ramblings

"She is one incredibly good basketball player. Purdue thinks she can play there. and who can doubt it? She has that quickness that you cannot match in practice. Nobody is quicker (when) coming from behind you. She scares you when you're coaching."

Castle (IN) head coach Wayne Allen on Evansville Memorial junior guard FahKara Malone, who has verbally committed to Purdue.