Four in-state stars added to CU
June 4, 2009LAWTON, Oklahoma (June 4) – The first Cameron Aggie women’s basketball signings of the 2009-2010 season were announced today by Head Coach Tom Webb, who is in his second year with CU. Four of the state’s top prospects have agreed to play for the Aggies next year, coming to Lawton from all over the state. CU’s newest additions are Kelsi West (Collinsville), Jordan Kauk (Leedey), Brittany Elkins (Waurika), and Natalie Colton (Edmond North).
West, who stands at 5’11”, posted 928 points, 770 rebounds, and 33 career double-doubles in her four year career at Collinsville High School. She was also a three-sport letter winner in high school, reaching the varsity ranks in volleyball, track, and basketball. Additionally, West played for an AAU team nicknamed the Oklahoma Mustangs.
“Kelsi West fits our system well,” Coach Webb said. “She’s a multiple-position kid that can defend on the perimeter and still bang inside with the posts in our league.”
Prior to last season, West was named to Tip-Off Magazine’s Preseason All 5-A Second Team. She was later named to both the Pryor Invitational and Sperry Invitational All-Tournament Teams. By year end, West recorded a per game average of 16 points and 10.3 rebounds, allowing her to win the Tulsa 7 Conference Player of the Year Award.
“Kelsi has played for two really good coaches in Coach Stacy (Collinsville) and Coach Diaz (Oklahoma Mustangs),” Coach Webb said. “She is a strong, athletic young lady that can score inside as well as shoot the perimeter shot. Plus, she is a great rebounder.”
Like West, Jordan Kauk of Leedey High School is also a multi-sports standout. After her senior season, the 5’8” Kauk was named to the Oklahoma All-State team for both fast-pitch and slow-pitch softball, while averaging 13.4 points and 7 rebounds for her school’s basketball team. She was also named to the 5-County All-Tournament basketball team.
“Jordan Kauk is a perimeter kid that is tough and aggressive,” Coach Webb said. “She can attack the rim and get to the free throw line,” Coach Webb said.
Following her junior season Kauk was named the 270 Conference Basketball Most Valuable Player.
“Coach Tharp (Leedey) has done a great job with the development of Jordan as a player,” Coach Webb said. “He really encouraged her to be aggressive on the offensive end of the floor.”
Coming into next year with a Waurika High School record of 1,576 points in a career is 5’7” Brittany Elkins. Elkins averaged 21.7 points per game last season, the third-highest total in Class A, to go along with 6.2 rebounds and 3.4 steals per game. Her 79% free throw percentage was the best in Class A last year.
“Brittany is a kid that can handle it, pass it, shoot it, and most importantly score it,” Coach Webb said. “She is going to need to continue to work hard on the defensive end of the floor and get used to the speed of the game. Once she does that she will be able to play either point or shooting guard.”
Elkins was named to the Daily Oklahoman’s All-State Honorable Mention team and the Duncan Banner All-Area First Team all four years of her high school career. Following her senior season she was also named to the OCA All-State team and was given the Offensive Player of the Year Ward.
“Coach Jessie (Waurika) did an excellent job of allowing Brittany to grow on the offensive end of the floor throughout her four years at Waurika.”
Coach Webb’s final signing announced today is his tallest: 6’0” Natalie Colton from Edmond North High School. Colton was a key part of last year’s Lady Huskies squad that set school records with a 17-game winning streak and 23 wins in a season. She averaged 5 points and 3 rebounds as a senior.
“Natalie will be a great addition to our team next year; she is a kid that can play four different positions on the floor,” Coach Webb said.
Last season the Lady Huskies team were crowned Area Champions and advanced to the state tournament for the first time since 1996. ENHS also was named the Edmond City Champions, the Metro Athletic Conference Champions, and Regional Champions, all thanks in large part to the strong play and leadership of Colton.
“In high school she ran the show and didn’t get as many scoring opportunities, but we plan on seeing her more as a perimeter player,” Coach Webb said. “Coach Korstjens did an unbelievable job molding his team into a State Champion contender by using Natalie’s natural talent to lead.”
Aggie fans can expect a number of other women’s basketball signings to be announced by Coach Webb in the coming days. The 2009-2010 Aggie women’s basketball season begins next November.
