EUGENE, Ore. – Sixth-Year Head Coach Liz Turner-Bolton has announced the completion of her 2012-2013 recruiting class for the NCU women’s basketball program. Four freshmen and a highly sought-after transfer join a pair of players previously announced.
Chandler Gabrio (Creswell), a 6’2” Post from NCAA Division II Western Oregon University comes in as a sophomore. Gabrio, who will also play volleyball for the Beacons, was a highly decorated athlete coming out of Creswell HS, where she earned multiple All-League and All-State honors in four sports. Coach Turner-Bolton said, “Chandler is a major athletic talent. She possesses a wide variety of skill sets with outstanding footwork, vision and a feel for the game. She can shoot the three and be a force in the paint.”
Coming out of Marist High School as a First-Team All-MidWestern League player is Sami Pitts. The 5’6” guard will also play golf for the Beacons. “Sami has great communication skills and is a leader by example,” said Turner-Bolton. “She possesses a high basketball IQ, sees the floor well and distributes effectively. She is a good defender but also shoots the ball well and is effective on the dribble drive.
Makezie Endresen (Portland) hails from Columbia Christian High as a two-time 1A State Player of the Year. The 5’8” guard was the Valley-10 League MVP as a junior and senior, leading her team to fourth place at the state tournament as a senior. Turner-Bolton said, “Makenzie is a play maker. She can score in bunches with a variety of shots and can score against double and triple-teams. She is a consistent three-point shooter and has great handles.”
Another Oregon 1A standout is Taya Harbick, coming in from reigning State Champion McKenzie High. The 5’9” guard was the Mountain West League MVP as a senior, averaging 13 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists per game. Taya is very athletic and has great foot speed,” said Turner-Bolton. “She is extremely competitive and plays both ends of the floor with an outstanding work ethic.”
Lastly, but certainly not least, is McDonalds High School All-American nominee Andrea Gloss (Gresham). The three-time All-Mt. Hood Conference Forward is known for being extremely fast for her height. Turner-Bolton said, “Andrea is smart, versatile and athletic. She runs the floor well and is an experienced defender.”
The newly named signees join the previously announced duo of 6’2” Oregon State transfer Tami Brown and 6’1” freshman Haley VandenHazel for what will provide the tallest team in NCU history. “This team has a rare combination of spped, skill, and intellect,” said Turner-Bolton. “This is one of the more athletic, competitive and high-achieving classes to date. All of these student-athletes are successful in the classroom and in multiple sports. They are an extremely competitive group that will push the limits in practice. Their potential, talent, and work ethic will combine nicely with our experienced returners.”