(l-r) Katie Collins, Head Coach Liz Turner-Bolton, Alyxe Bruns
EUGENE, Ore. – Willamette HS girl’s basketball players Alyxe Bruns and Katie Collins and Stayton HS product Kelsey Atkins have been announced as the first recruits for the 2009-2010, according to Northwest Christian University women’s basketball coach Liz Turner-Bolton.
Bolton said, “I am pleased and excited to be adding three strong guards to our program for next season. All three of these girls have been extremely successful in their high school endeavors and have come from programs with a rich tradition of excellence. Their experience, work ethic and defensive tenacity will add stability and depth to our program.”
Bruns was a 2009 McDonalds High School All-American nominee is the most decorated athlete to come into the NCU program after leading the Willamette Wolverines to back-to-back 5A state championships. Bruns was a First-Team All-State selection as a senior, averaging 8.9 points per game.
“Ally Bruns is one of the quickest players in the state and will be a force to contain in transition,” said Bolton. “She provides instant offense with her shooting abilities and can put up big numbers in a hurry.”
Collins, also a two-time state champion at Willamette HS, was an All-Midwestern League selection for three-years and had been named to the OSAA All-Tournament team as a junior. Bolton says, “Katie is a versatile, scrappy defender who understands the game on both sides of the ball. She is quick to the rim and is difficult to defend. She understands the nuances of the game and is an excellent communicator on the floor.”
Atkins comes in as the Capital Conference Player of the Year and a second-team All-State selection after leading Stayton HS to a fourth-place finish at the state championship during her senior year. She was also a member of the 2007 State Champions as a sophomore and was named MVP of the state championship game that season. Atkins averaged 12.3 points and 6 assists per game as a senior.
“Kelsey is an outstanding floor general and leader. She makes others around her better. She has an excellent shot and plays tough defense all 84 feet.”
The Northwest Christian University women’s basketball team is looking to rebound after a tough 2008-2009 season in which the Beacons went 3-17 in Cascade Conference action and were unable to qualify for the CCC tournament.