Lady Jackets Ink Two Area Players (4/18/07)

BILLINGS, MT – Montana State-Billings women’s basketball coach Kevin Woodin announced Wednesday that two area players have signed national letters of intent to play for the Lady Yellowjackets next season.  Quinn Halverson of Shepherd High school and Kayla Ryan of Sweet Grass County High School will join the Yellowjackets for their inaugural season in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.

“I am very excited that Quinn and Kayla are coming to MSUB,” said Woodin.  “Both of them are outstanding student-athletes from very successful Montana high school programs.  They are fundamentally sound, and I believe they will positively impact our program.  Kayla’s size, physical strength, and ability to use both hands will benefit our team, while Quinn’s penetration ability, decision making, and 3-point shooting skills will be valuable.”

Halverson is a 5-foot-4 guard who was a three-time all-state selection for the Fillies.  As a senior she averaged 15 points per game and recorded 114 steals.  For her career at Shepherd High School, Halverson scored 1,403 points.  She led the Fillies to three district and one divisional title as well as two top three finishes at the state tournament.  She was also the student body president and class valedictorian this year.

Ryan is a 6-1 forward who was a four-time all-state player for the Sheepherders.  She set the school career records for points, rebounds, and blocked shots.  As a senior Ryan averaged 16.9 points and 9.6 rebounds a game.  In her career for the Sheepherders, she scored 1,643 points, grabbed 940 rebounds, and blocked 152 shots.  A Wendy’s High School Heisman Award Finalist, Ryan was also an all-state volleyball player and golfer, and qualified for the state track meet.

The Yellowjackets were 22-10 last season, winning the Heartland Conference regular season title as well as the conference tournament championship.  MSUB went to its eleventh NCAA Tournament this year and its tenth in the last 14 seasons.