MC Athletics | Basketball Signings

04-05 Signings
The following is a list of signings for the 2004-2005 season starting with the most recent signing.

McPherson College has announced the recent signing of Amy Porter of Quinter, Kan. , to a women's basketball letter of intent for the 2004-2005 academic year.

Joining Amy Porter in her letter of intent signing with McPherson College are (left to right) her parents Peggy and Randy Porter along with Quinter High School girls' basketball coach Don Tilton.

The 5'6” Porter lettered four years in basketball, three years in volleyball, and one year in track at Quinter High School .

Amy was twice selected to both the Northwest Kansas League All-Academic basketball team and NWKL All-Academic volleyball team. Porter was a member of Quinter state tournament qualifying volleyball team as a junior, and competed in the state track meet as a freshman.

“We are very please to have Amy joining our Lady Bulldog basketball program,” said Mel Wright, McPherson College head women's basketball coach. “She is an outstanding young lady and a very good student. She is a multi-talented young lady with a wide range of interests.”

“We have been recruiting Amy for a while, and invited her to our All-Star game in March. Still, she wanted to consider all her options before deciding to join our program.”

“Amy comes from a family with strong ties to McPherson College . That can work both ways in the recruitment process. I do know she will be a very hard worker and will give us her best effort. She is definitely the type of person we want on our team. We feel fortunate that she as decided to join us.”

Porter follows a family tradition by continuing her academic and athletic career at McPherson College . Her father, Randy, ran track and cross country for the Bulldogs in the 1970's while her brothers Matthew, Landon, and Nathan have all run cross country at McPherson College. Nathan is the current Bulldog record holder for the 5-mile cross country distance. Her mother, Peggy, is an award winning poet.

McPherson College has announced the recent signing of Crystal Thomas of Wichita Falls , Tex. , and Clarendon College to a basketball letter of intent for the 2004-2005 academic year.

Thomas is the second member of the 2004 Clarendon squad to recently sign with McPherson College . She be will joining Clarendon teammate and fellow guard, April Bryley, as part of the Lady Bulldog program.

The 5'5” Thomas played the past season at Clarendon College after playing at Western Oklahoma State College as a freshman.

A 2002 graduate of Wichita Falls High School., Thomas lettered twice in basketball as she was named to the area all-defensive team as a junior and second team All-District as a senior.

“We are very pleased to have Crystal join our Lady Bulldog program,” said McPherson College head coach Mel Wright. “She is an outstanding shoot guard with excellent speed and quickness. She is a very had worker, and as a result, she has continued to improve each season.”

“ Crystal was one of the best three-point shooters on the Clarendon team that led its conference three-point attempts.”

“ Crystal loves the game of basketball and has been in the gym daily since the season ended. She will bring valuable experience and leadership to our program because of her strong high school background and development in a tough junior college conference.”

April is the daughter of Janet Thomas of Wichita Falls , Tex. She plans to major in computer science at McPherson.

McPherson College has announced the recent signing of April Bryley of Clarendon , Tex. , to a basketball letter of intent for the 2004-2005 academic year.

Joining April Bryley in her letter of intent signing is Clarendon College headl coach Rusty Kennedy.

The 5'7” Bryley has played the past two years at Clarendon College where she averaged five points and four rebounds per game in helping lead the Clarendon Lady Bulldogs to a berth in the Region 5 tournament for only the third time in 25 years.

A 2002 graduate of Clarendon High School, Bryley lettered twice in basketball, three times in track, and four times in cross country during her prep career. Named to the academic all-district squad four years, she was honorable mention all-district in basketball, and was named “Lady Bronco of the Year” and “Track Athlete of the Year.”

“April is coming to us from a very strong junior college program,” said McPherson College head coach Mel Wright. “Plus, Clarendon features a guard oriented offense.”

“She has outstanding speed and runs the floor with confidence. April can spot up and shoot, and also finish with a pull up jump shot. She is very strong and her quickness to the ball makes her a strong rebounder.”

“We are excited about the experience she will bring to program. Besides her offensive skills, she has been a defensive stopper at Clarendon. She is a well balanced, complete player, and we expect her to make a great contribution immediately.”

April is the daughter of Kenneth and Faye Bryley of Clarendon , Tex. She plans to major in biology with a career goal in dental hygiene.

McPherson College has announced the recent signing of Amy Hallowell of Pratt , Kan. , to basketball and volleyball letters of intent for the 2004-2005 academic year.

Joining Amy Hallowell in her letter of intent signing are her parents, Dean and Bev Hallowell, and (back) Lu Bitter, Pratt High head volleyball coach.

A four-year letter winner in both sports at Pratt High School, the 5'8” Hallowell was an All-Mid-State League selection in both volleyball and basketball as a senior after being an honorable mention all-league choice in both sports as a junior.

Following her senior seasons of competition, Amy was named to the Hutchinson News Class 4A All-Area volleyball team and honorable mention All-Area basketball team.

As a senior, Hallowell captained Pratt High's volleyball, basketball, and softball teams. In basketball, Hallowell averaged 10.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, and shot 81% from the free throw stripe as a senior for coach Dana Eastes' Greenbacks.

“We are very pleased to have Amy joining our team for the '04-'05 season,” said McPherson's women's head coach Mel Wright. “Amy played in our all-star game and we were pleased to see that she could copete against a high level of competition.”

“Amy is a dedicated athlete with a desire to reach her potential at the next level. She is a very strong young lady with a good fundamental base of skills. We think she will be a very positive addition to our program.”

Hallowell was also named to the 2004 All-Mid-State League volleyball scholastic achievement team.

“Amy is not a stranger to McPherson College ,” said McPherson College head volleyball coach Nathalea Stephenson. “Her brother, Mark, is a student-athlete at McPherson College , so she knows what we are about.”

“We look forward to having her be a part of our team. She is going to bring a strong work ethic and knowledge of the game to the team. She passes the ball well and has a good feel for the game of volleyball. We look forward to watching her grow as a player, student, and person at McPherson College .”

Amy is the daughter of Dean and Bev Hallowell of Pratt , Kan. She plans to major in business and graphic design at McPherson College . Amy's brother Mark is currently a member of the Bulldogs' mens' basketball squad.

McPherson College has announced the recent signing of Stephanie Schmidt of Julesburg, CO., to volleyball and basketball letters of intent for the 2004-2005 academic year.

The 5'7” Schmidt averaged 6.0 assists along with 8.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.4 steals per game her senior roundball season. She was selected as team captain in both volleyball and basketball her final year at Julesburg High School .

Stephanie was received honorable mention all-state honors in basketball as both a junior and senior, and was named to the Denver Post's all-state season team. She also received all-conference honors her final two prep seasons.

In volleyball, Schmidt was all-conference as a senior in addition to being named honorable mention all-state twice.

“We are glad to welcome Stephanie to McPherson College and our Lady Bulldog basketball program,” said McPherson College women's head basketball coach Mel Wright. “She was a very talented and dedicated, three-sport athlete in high school. In addition to her all-state honors, she was selected to play in the Colorado Coaches' All-Star basketball game.”

“She shot the ball very well from the outside, hitting 52% from the field. Plus she is very quick and has good overall straight. We are expecting her to make a great contribution to our team.”

“Stephanie comes to McPherson College as an individual that will continue to add skills to our team,” said McPherson College women's head volleyball coach Nathalea Stephenson. “She is a very hard working young lady that will help our team improve on the court.”

“Stephanie has the potential to be a very good volleyball player for us. I am looking forward to working with her these next four years.”

Stephanie is the daughter of Kathy Ball and Phil Schmidt of Julesburg , Colo. Stephanie plans to major in English or physical education with a career goal of teaching and coaching.

McPherson College has announced the recent signing of Rebecca Bratcher of Miami , Fla., and Hialeah High School, to a basketball letter of intent for the 2004-2005 academic year.

The 6'1” Bratcher averaged 10.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game her senior season at Hialeah HS. She was named both her team's “Most Improved” and “Most Valuable” player at the conclusion of her final prep season.

Bratcher has participated in softball and track and field as well as basketball, and won honorable mention honors in basketball and softball.

“We think Rebecca will be one of the best recruits in the history of our women's program,” said McPherson College women's head coach Mel Wright. “She is an all-around player that is coming to us from a very strong 6A high school program in Florida. Her team was 25-4 last year and advanced all the way to regional finals.”

“Rebecca has some awesome stats including her 11.2 rebounds per game. She was selected to the honorable mention All-State team.”

“Rebecca runs the floor like a guard, can shoot the trey and is still is strong inside. Needless to say, we are very excited to have her coming to McPherson College.”

At the conclusion of her senior year Bratcher received the Delta Psi Kappa “Outstanding Senior Award” for 2004.

Becky is the daughter of Sheryl Bratcher of Miami , Fla. She plans to major in mathematics education.

Bratcher's brother, Joshua, played football at Ferrum College in Ferrum , Va. , an NCAA III school.

McPherson College has announced the recent signing of Christa Ingram of Houston , Tex. , and Westbury Christian School , to a basketball letter of intent for the 2004-2005 academic year.

The 5'5” Ingram averaged 14.2 points and 2.2 steals per game her senior season. She shot 84% from the charity stripe and 35% from beyond the 3-point line. She was an All-District and All-State performer for Westbury, as part of the TAPPS (private schools) classification of Texas interscholastic athletics. Christa was also selected to the All-State Tournament squad at the conclusion of the private schools' final level of interscholastic play.

Ingram was selected as Westbury's “most Valuable Player” following her senior season. She participated in the Central Kansas All-Star basketball game hosted by McPherson College in March.

“We are very pleased to have Christa joining our program,” said McPherson College women's head coach Mel Wright. “She is an outstanding guard.”

“Christa is also an outstanding student. She is the type of player and person that can help us move our program to the next level.”

Christa is the daughter of Agnes Ingram of Houston , Texas . Ingram plans to major in business and marketing.

McPherson College has announced the recent signing of Jamie Harvey of Mankato, Kan., to a basketball letter of intent for the 2004-2005 academic year.

The 5’10” Harvey graduated from Mankato High School in 2002, then spent the 2002-2003 school year at Dodge City Community College. Harvey was a two-sport All-Pike Trail selection following her senior seasons at Mankato High School, garnering all-league honors in both basketball and volleyball. She also received Hasting (Nebr.) Tribune All-Tribland first team honors. As a junior, Harvey earned Salina Journal Class 1A All-Area and Hasting All-Tribland second team honors as well as KBCA honorable mention all-state recognition.

“Jamie is coming to us with three years of eligibility remaining,” said McPherson College women’s head coach Mel Wright. “She attended Dodge City CC during the 2002-2003 season, but did not play this past year. She missed basketball more than she thought she would and is anxious to play again.”

“Jamie had a very successful high career in a solid program at Mankato High School. She a six-foot point guard that handles the ball well and can shoot the three.”

“We are very happy to have Jamie joining our program next fall.” Jamie is the daughter of John and Julie Harvey of Mankato, Kan..

McPherson College has announced the recent signing of Danell Brunk of Inman, Kan., to a basketball letter of intent for the 2004-2005 academic year.

The 5’9” Brunk graduated from Inman High School in 1999, then spent two years at Hutchinson Community College before playing the 2001-2002 season at Bethel College. Most recently, she has been taking classes at Wichita State University. Danell will be joining a former Teuton teammate, Brenna Schierling, with the Bulldogs.

“Danell is returning to play her last season of college basketball after taking a year off to get healthy,” said McPherson College women’s head coach Mel Wright.

“Danell was an outstanding player at Inman High School. She played at Hutchinson (Community College) for two years, then at Bethel for one. She didn’t play last year, but now wants to finish her career at McPherson.”

“We had tried to recruit her out of high school, so we are very excited to have her coming to our program. She is a sound fundamental player that is very aggressive. She is a good defender, rebounder, ball handler, and shooter. So it is pretty to see why we have welcomed her.”

Danell is the daughter of Robert and Nancy Brunk of Inman, Kan. Danell’s brothers Duane and Darin high jumped and played football, respectively, at Hutchinson Community College in the late 1980’s and mid-1990’s.

McPherson College has announced the recent signing of April Woody of Tescott, Kan., to a basketball letter of intent for the 2004-2005 academic year.

Joining April Woody in the Lady Bulldog letter of intent signing are her mother Lorraine Marken and McPherson College coach Mel Wright.

The 5’5” Woody, a four-year letter winner at Victor High School, participated in the recent Central Kansas All-Star basketball game hosted by McPherson College, scoring 16 points for the winning White team.

As a senior at Tescott High School, April averaged 19.5 points per game. Woody was a Class 1A honorable mention All-State selection following the 2004 season for coach Kenny Schoshke’s Trojans. She was a three-time All-Eisenhower League pick in basketball and a two-time selection in volleyball.

“April is coming to us after an outstanding high school career at Tescott High,” said McPherson College women’s head coach Mel Wright. “She was the leading scorer on her team. She shot over 40% from the floor and pulled down five rebounds a game from her guard spot along with dishing off three assists.”

“April is a complete player, and we believe she can step in and immediately contribute to our program at the varsity level. She has the natural ability and skills to make a real contribution right from the start.”

April’s athletic background includes an uncle, William Woody, that played football at Kansas State in 1979-80.She is the daughter of Lorraine Marken of Tescott, Kan. and Mark Woody of Beverly, Kan.

McPherson College has announced the recent signing of Samanthah Blough of Victor, Mont., to a basketball letter of intent for the 2004-2005 academic year.

Joining Sammie Blough in her letter of intent signing were (front, left) Conah Blough (mother) and Ted Jolley (Victor HS assistant coach), along with (back) Heather Brinkman (Voctor HS head basketball coach).

The 5 ’7” Blough, a three-year letter winner at Victor High School, participated in the recent Central Kansas All-Star basketball game hosted by McPherson College.

Blough was selected for the All-Valley Classic all-star game after both her junior and senior seasons. As a junor, she received all-conference honorable mention recognition. Following her sophomore season, her summer league team qualified for the junior nationals basketball tournament in Columbus, Ohio.

Named to Montana’s volleyball academic all-state team as a junior, Blough also lettered three years in volleyball and track.

“Samanthah has been a post player in high school,” said McPherson College women’s head coach Mel Wright, “but we see moving her to the perimeter next year.”

“She is one of the hardest working players I have worked seen and has a passion for the game. She knows she will be a J.V. player next year as she makes the switch to a new position. But, she has welcomed the challenge and we are happy to have her joining our program.”

“Samanthah has a very quick first step and is a pure shooter, so we are expecting big things from her in the future.”