Bison women's basketball adds some height with latest commitments

FARGO - Jory Collins knows he needs depth and size to challenge the likes of South Dakota State and South Dakota in the Summit League.

The North Dakota State women's basketball head coach has found size and length with its most recent commitments, one for 2022 and another for 2023

Tuesday, Montevideo (MN) junior guard Avery Koenen verbally committed to NDSU. Koenen is 6'2 and crossed the 1,000 point threshold last season for the Thunderhawks. Koenen was starting to heat up on the recruiting trail, with Colorado State, South Dakota and USD all showing interest.

Koenen averaged 22 points, 11 rebounds and three assists per game last year for Montevideo as a sophomore.

"She is one of the most versatile high school athletes that I have ever been around--boys or girls." said Montevideo head coach Anthony Jackson. "Her athleticism is oftentimes unmatchable, especially in the open court. She has the ability to play inside and outside. Whether it is on her AAU team or high school team, she's had the opportunity to play wing and post, which has allowed her to diversify her game and better prepare herself for the next level."

Koenen had a big summer on the AAU circuit, including being named a runner-up to the Minnesota AAU Newcomer of the Year.

Montevideo posted a 14-5 record in 2021, losing in the Section 3AA playoffs to Windom Area.

The Bison also received a verbal commitment from Edwardsville, Illinois native Elle Evans earlier this month.

Evans is a senior, and will officially sign with NDSU next month. Evans is 6'3 and helped her high school team win its conference championship this past season.

Evans was highly sought after with offers from Army, Colorado, Penn, Stephen F. Austin, SIU-Edwardsville, St. Louis University, Utah State, Rice, Denver and Virginia Tech.

NDSU has an offer ought to West Fargo's Miriley Simon , who is a senior for the Packers. She also was offered by Omaha.