Nov. 13, 2008 – BOZEMAN, Mont. -- The Montana State women’s basketball program has signed five high school student-athletes to national letters-of-intent, announced MSU fourth-year head coach Tricia Binford.
Signing for the 2009-10 season are Latisha Adams, Albuquerque, NM, Ashley Albert, Hamilton, Chelsea Banis, Fairfield, Kelsey Roben, Denver, Colo., and Ally Schmitt, Snohomish, Wash.
“With the signing of this class, we fill a need at every position on the court,” Binford said. “They all come from outstanding programs and will help us succeed both athletically and academically.”
Latisha (Tish) Adams is a 5-9 guard at West Mesa High School in Albuquerque, NM. A four-year letterwinner, she averaged 16.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.3 steals and 2.7 assists, last season. For her efforts, Adams was named the Mustangs’ top offensive and defensive player. In addition, she garnered all-metro honors and was named to the Albuquerque Tribune All Metro Second Team.
Adams is a three-time academic letterwinner and was named all-tournament at the Joe Armijo Classic on two occasions.
“Tish is a tremendous athlete that is playing the point for her high school team,” Binford said. “Because of her athleticism, she has tons of potential. She has great ability off the dribble and is the type of player that makes those around her better. We’ll use her at the 2/3 spots, and she can absolutely lock-it-down on defense.”
One of two Montana in-state recruits, Ashley Albert is a 6-1forward from Hamilton. Last season, she averaged 12 points, 8 rebounds, three assists and two blocks per game, en route to being selected to the Montana Class A All-State squad. In addition, Albert was a first-team All Southwestern A choice.
A four-year letterwinner, Albert led the Broncs to a 14-7 overall mark as a junior. Albert is a ten-time all-state academic performer and boasts a 4.0 grade-point average.
“Ashley plays point for her high school and we’ll look to move her into a forward spot,” Binford said. “She is very versatile and is one of the purest shooters in the state. Ashley, being the daughter of a coach, has a high basketball IQ and great court awareness. She is another player with huge potential.”
MSU’s other Treasure State signee is Chelsea Banis, a 6-3 center. As a junior, Banis was an all-state and all-conference selection. She helped guide Fairfield High School to the 2008 Class B state title scoring 21 points and hauling down 17 rebounds in the championship game. For her efforts, Banis was named the Class B MVP.
A four-year letterwinner, Banis was a Great Falls Tribune Super State honoree as a junior and is a two-time academic all-state performer, as well. She also lettered for the Eagles in volleyball and track and field.
“Chelsea is a strong, physical player that moves very well and has a great touch,” Binford said. “She will join Jamie Thornton as a true center in our program. We’re excited that she possesses a hungry attitude for the game and unlimited potential.
“We’re happy to have signed two of the top players in the state,” Binford added. “Our program is now at the level where we can compete for the top in-state prospects.”
Kelsey Roben, a 5-10 guard at Denver’s Regis Jesuit High School, is one of seven NCAA Division I signees for the Raiders. Regis Jesuit is preseason No. 6 in the nation and is the top ranked squad in the West region.
Roben, who came off the bench to post 10 points in last year’s Colorado 5A championship game loss to Highlands Ranch, is a projected starter for head coach Carl Mattei’s squad this winter.
As a junior, Roben ranked among the top five in three-point field-goals, assists, steals and blocked shots in the Continental League. In the last three seasons, Regis Jesuit has posted a 75-8 record. A strong student, Roben garnered highest academic honors as a freshman and sophomore.
“Kelsey’s stats basically don’t tell her story as she plays on such an outstanding team- one that is among the nation’s best,” Binford said. “We see a lot of potential in Kelsey. She runs the floor very well, can shoot the three and go to the basket. Kelsey is a good defender and she can play many positions. She has a great upper-end.”
Ally Schmitt, a 5-7 guard at Snohomish High School, sat out her junior season due to a torn ACL. Last year’s Panther squad went 21-7 overall and 14-2 in the WestCo Conference. Snohomish finished seventh at the Washington 4A state tournament.
As a sophomore, Schmitt averaged 4.5 points per game as a point-guard.
“We feel Ally was overlooked as she is coming off an ACL injury,” Binford said. “I really like her mental toughness and that’s a great trait for a point guard. We feel she has tremendous leadership skills and basketball savvy. Ally can really create opportunities for her teammates and that’s what we like from the position. She is a strong, confident competitor.”
Binford stated the Bobcats have one more scholarship available, which MSU might fill during the spring signing period.
2008-09 Montana State Women’s Basketball Recruiting Class
Latisha Adams G 5-9 Fr Albuquerque, NM/West Mesa HS
Ashley Albert F 6-1 Fr Hamilton, MT/Hamilton HS
Chelsea Banis C 6-4 Fr Fairfield, MT/Fairfield HS
Kelsey Roben G 5-10 Fr Denver, CO/Regis Jesuit HS
Ally Schmitt G 5-7 Fr Snohomish, WA/Snohomish HS
