Southwest Baptist University Women’s Basketball Head Coach Kelsey Keizer announces the signing of five Missouri prep players to the Bearcat roster for the 2016-2017 Season. Coach Keizer is excited about her recruiting class and looks forward to them joining her squad. “We are in a special time of Bearcat Women’s Basketball as we graduate six seniors who have been four-year members of our team," Keizer stated. "With a great group of players moving on we wanted to get this class right. We have been just as concerned with these player’s character and work ethic as we have been about their skill. I feel like we hit a homerun with these five young ladies. I am excited for all of our Bearcat fans to meet these women.”
Madison Strong has recently completed a decorated High School career at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, Missouri with a total of 2,218 career points. This season Maddie led her team to a 28-2 record with 19.4 points per game, 3.3 assists per game, and 2.9 steals per game, while shooting 43% from the 3 point line. At 5’6” Maddie will look for playing time in both the point guard and the shooting guard position for the Bearcats next season. Coach Keizer is excited about the addition to her roster: “Maddie is a special player to me because of her court savvy. She has a competitive mindset and can flat out shoot the basketball. We are excited about what she will bring to our team both on and off the court.”
Laura Vierkant completed her prep career with a Missouri High School State Championship. At 5’6” Vierkant led the Lady Chiefs of Kickapoo High School to a 29-3 season and a Class 5 Missouri State Championship. Laura has earned 3 All-District Honors and was named to the All-State Team this season. She is 4th on the all-time scoring list at Kickapoo High School with 1,492 career points and holds the school record for three-point baskets in a game with seven. Coach Keizer looks to Laura’s experience as she heads to SBU: “Laura has been a part of a tremendously strong high school basketball program and has had just as much success in the classroom at Kickapoo High School. We look forward to Laura’s shooting ability and her feisty competitiveness.”
Kameron Schaaf comes to SBU from nearby El Dorado Springs, Missouri. Kameron has been known for her grit and hard work for the Lady Bulldogs over her four year varsity career. The El Dorado Springs Girl’s Basketball Team won the Missouri State Championship in 2014. Kameron has been named to the Class 3 Basketball All-District Team in 2014, 2015, and 2016. She has scored 1,464 career points averaging 13.1 points per game, 6.1 rebounds per game, 2.1 assists per game, and 2.4 steals per game throughout her career. Coach Keizer is excited about Kameron’s versatility on the court: “Kameron is a worker. She impacts the game in so many ways beyond just her scoring ability. We are excited about her defensive grit and toughness that she will bring to our team.”
Monique Manuel will join the Bearcat post players next season. Monique is a 6’3” center hailing from St. Louis, Missouri. Monique will graduate from Rockwood Summit High School this May. She was named to the Missouri Class 5 All-District Team this season behind 10.9 points per game, 9.2 rebounds per game, and 3.9 blocks per game. Coach Keizer is looking forward to the addition of Monique to her roster: “Monqiue brings us depth to our post position next season. We are excited about the impact she brings to the game with her size and her strength. The sky is the limit for Monique and we look forward to working with her at SBU.”
Bailey Rezabek is a fiery scoring guard from Camdenton, Missouri. Bailey has been a four-year impact player for the Lady Lakers of Camdenton. As a left-handed shooter, Bailey has shot nearly 50% from the 3-point line for her career. In her senior season, Bailey averaged 17.2 points per game, 3.2 assists per game, and 2.2 steals per game. Coach Keizer looks forward to adding Bailey to the Bearcat roster: “Bailey is competitor with an unconscious 3-point shooting ability. I love a great left-handed shooter and look forward to her ball handling and passing ability as well. Bailey has been a humble leader for her High School team and we look forward to helping her continue her growth as a player and a leader at SBU."
