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There has been a flurry of action in the 6 months since MSU named Kellie Harper as Head Coach and she filled out her staff . It's pretty clear this staff has been able fairly quickly to turn some heads and make impressions on recruits, some perhaps a bit above the level we've been able to in recent years. So far she's gotten verbals from four 2014 and two 2015 prospects, and they represent a pretty solid presence in the home state, answer some real roster needs, and as stated also some excellent quality.

2014 players include: 1] Shooting Guard- Lee Ann Powly 5'7 , Blair Oaks. 2] Combo Guard- Liza Fruendt 5'9 from Illinois. 3] Forward- Audrey Holt 6'1 , Columbia Rock Bridge. 4] Forward- Aubrey Buckley 6'2 , Parkview HS. Springfield Mo. A Four Star top 100 rated player.

Holt is very interesting as she plays for the top team in Missouri that has 5-7 D-1 recruits. Her stats are modest but she gets raves for court demeanor, toughness and being a kid who catches your eye when she plays.

2015 players include: 1] Guard- Danielle Gitzen 5'10 from Chanhassen H.S , Minn. and the Minn. Fury AAU program. 2] The prize recruit to date, Point Guard- Riley Rose 5'8, Searcy Ark., another Four Star recruit and the # 34 ranked player in the country in her class.

We still have two spots open for 2014 , but those might be held over given the chances to perhaps secure additional top 2015 kids . The coming year will be challenging, and no one around here is anticipating much for the 2013 year, but if we surprise and challenge for a upper division spot, then things should really take off the following couple years as these recruiting classes come aboard.

Getting Rose was huge. That was a recruiting coup right there. I think the product on the court might struggle this year but Kellie is the real deal. It certainly gives me a sense of confidence looking over at the sideline and seeing her as opposed to a couple of her predecessors. The pride is starting to return to the program. And ladies basketball has been the bellcow for us since the early days of Cheryl. When it is going well, everything else at the university just seems to fall into place.