Lady Jackets Ink Four During Early Period (11/17/05)

BILLINGS, MT – Montana State-Billings women’s basketball coach Kevin Woodin announced this week that four high school players have signed national letters of intent during the NCAA’s early signing period.  All four players are seniors at high schools in Montana.  High school prospects are allowed to sign early letters of intent with NCAA schools from November 9-16.  The NCAA’s regular signing period runs April 12 to May 17.

Woodin is in his second season as the Lady Yellowjackets’ head coach.  Of his nine NLI signees thus far, all nine have been from Montana high schools.  He signed five freshmen last year who are playing for the Jackets this season.

Committing early to the Lady Yellowjackets for the 2006-2007 season are Laura Beach of Baker, Dani Henderson of Reed Point, Shantell Marquis of Cascade, and Mandy Jacobs of Shepherd. 

Beach is a 6-foot-2 center at Baker High School.  She earned all-conference and all-state honors as a junior last season after averaging 13.6 ppg and leading the Spartans to conference, district, and divisional titles.  Beach will follow in the footsteps of recent Yellowjacket standout centers Jessie Henigman and Robyn Milne.

“The academic programs at Montana State-Billings were a good fit for me,” said Beach, who plans to major in communications.  “I also felt that everyone at the college was very welcoming.  I was really impressed with the women’s basketball program and look forward to being a part of it next year.”

Henderson is a 6-0 forward at Reed Point High School.  She has averaged 16 ppg in her three-year career for the Pirates and is a two-time all-state selection.  Last season Henderson helped Reed Point to a perfect 26-0 record and the Class C state title.

“Coach Woodin made me feel very comfortable, and I felt that MSU Billings would be a program I would fit into very well,” said Henderson.  “I respect the quality of the players involved in the Yellowjacket program and also the coaches who lead the team.  MSU Billings also offers a broad range of degree options that will enhance my career opportunities.”

Marquis is a 5-11 guard at C.M. Russell High School in Great Falls.  A three-sport standout, she was the Rustler basketball team’s co-MVP last year as a junior.  She was also on the Rustlers’ state championship track team.  C.M.R. has finished in the top three at the state basketball tournament in two of Marquis’ three seasons.

“I felt MSU Billings was a perfect fit for me,” said Marquis.  “I am very close to the girls on the team.  I have played with them for three summers and I really like them.  I also like the campus because it is very personable and family-like.  I am looking forward to going to MSU Billings to further my basketball career.”

Jacobs is a 5-10 senior forward at Shepherd High School.  She has earned all-conference and all-state honors for the past three seasons and helped the Fillies reach the Class B state tournament the past two seasons.  She’s also an all-state pitcher on Shepherd’s softball team.  Jacobs’s older sister Becky played for the Yellowjackets for four years.  She graduated in 2002 after playing in three NCAA Tournaments as a Yellowjacket.  Becky still ranks 25^th on the school’s all-time scoring list.

“I’m very excited about the program that Coach Woodin has put together at MSU Billings,” said Jacobs.  “I know that it’s a great opportunity to play at MSU Billings, and I’m looking forward to playing for a hard-working program.”

“I am very excited about our four early signings,” Woodin said.  “All of them are quality student-athletes and come from outstanding high school basketball programs.  I believe each of them will make a positive impact on our team.   Laura and Dani will give us needed size and athleticism on the interior.  Laura will primarily play in the post while Dani will play both forward and post.  Laura has great instincts around the basket and Dani possesses excellent strength and fundamentals.  Shantell and Mandy are both very versatile players.  Shantell has the ability to play multiple guard positions and her speed and defensive talents will benefit our team.  Mandy can play both inside and on the perimeter and she is a tremendous competitor with a great first step.”