Lady Jackets Announce Four Signings (Apr. 28, 2005)

BILLINGS, MT – Montana State-Billings women’s basketball coach Kevin Woodin announced the signing of four Montana players this week to national letters of intent to play for the Yellowjackets next year.  This is Woodin’s first recruiting class at the school after guiding the Yellowjackets to the NCAA Tournament in his first season.  Joining MSU Billings in the fall will be Alira Carpenter of Lewistown, Rachel Hensen of Lolo, Kayla McPherson of Glendive, and Jetton Meadors of Billings.

Carpenter was a three-year letter winner in basketball, volleyball and tennis and Fergus County High School.  The 5-foot-8 guard averaged 21.9 points and 7.1 rebounds a game as a senior for the Eagles, who won back-to-back divisional and state titles in her junior and senior seasons.   Carpenter earned all-conference and all-state honors in both basketball and volleyball.

“I am very excited to continue my basketball career as a college athlete at MSU Billings,” said Carpenter.  “It is a growing program under the great leadership of Coach Woodin.  MSU Billings is a comfortable fit for me as well.  I can be a part of a bigger atmosphere yet remain close to my family.”

Hansen was a four-year letter winner in basketball and track at Missoula Big Sky High School.  A four-year honor roll student, she was the Eagles’ defensive MVP as a junior and senior.  The 5-10 guard ranked third in Class AA last year with a 42 percent 3-point field goal percentage and averaged 2.5 assists per game.  Hansen was also an all-conference jumper in track each of her first three years at Big Sky and recently placed second with a triple jump of 33’7” at the Western Montana Top 10.

“I chose MSU Billings because of the strength of the women’s basketball program,” said Hansen.  “I also have a great deal of respect for Coach Woodin and his coaching accomplishments.  I am excited to play in a successful program that is close to home.”

McPherson was a four-year letter winner at Dawson County High School in basketball and volleyball and also lettered three years in track.  A three time Class A all-state selection, the 5-11 swing player averaged 16.4 points and 7.8 rebounds a game as a senior.  The Red Devils placed second at the Eastern A divisional and fourth at the State A in her junior year.  McPherson has also been a three-time all-conference selection in track, winning the Eastern A triple jump twice.

“I chose MSU Billings for a number of reasons,” said McPherson.  “I really liked the campus set up and the majors that were available.  I was also very fond of Coach Woodin and his basketball program.  I am very excited to attend MSU Billings, and I am anxious for the opportunities that will arise.”

Meadors was a three-year letter winner in basketball and softball at Billings Senior High School.  She becomes the second Bronc on the Lady Jackets’ current roster, joining junior guard Shannon Harvey.  Meadors is a 5-8 guard who earned all-conference and all-state honors as a senior.  She averaged 13.5 points and 2.2 assists per game as the Broncs’ point guard.  Senior HS qualified for three straight state tournaments while Meadors was there, placing fourth in 2005.

“MSU Billings felt like the right choice for me,” said Meadors.  “It is close to home and has both a good athletic program and a good academic base.”

Coach Woodin about Carpenter: “I believe Alira will be an outstanding student-athlete at MSU Billings.  She is a great defender and her ability to score in many ways will compliment our team nicely.  She comes from a championship program and I look for Alira to make an immediate impact on our team.”

Coach Woodin about Hansen: “Rachel is a very versatile player who is an excellent athlete.  She is very team oriented and fundamentally sound player.  She will bring many positive qualities to our program and I look forward to working with her.”

Coach Woodin about McPherson: “Kayla is an exceptional offensive player who will put a lot of pressure on our opponent’s defense.  She can play both the guard and forward positions and I believe her versatility will serve as a tremendous asset.  Kayla’s passion for the game is very apparent and I am excited for her to become a Yellowjacket.”

Coach Woodin about Meadors: “Jetton improved so much during her senior season.  I am very pleased to have her join our program as she is a fierce competitor.  Jetton will play multiple guard positions for us and she has the athleticism, character, and desire to be effective at this level.”