Nov. 11, 2009

Pocatello, ID--The Idaho State women's basketball team signed three players to National Letters of Intent on Wednesday afternoon. The signees include local talent Sheryl Bitter who played for Shelley High, as well as Kara Jenkins and Cydney Horton. All three players will join the Bengals in the 2010-11 season.

"This recruiting class will make us a better team and program," said Head Coach Seton Sobolewski. "All three young ladies are good basketball players, good students, and good people. Our coaching staff and players really enjoyed getting to know them. We are very excited."

The Bengals found Bitter practically in their own backyard as the 5'6" guard currently attends Shelley High School. Bitter is a well-rounded individual competing in basketball, golf and soccer. In basketball Bitter was named First Team All-Conference in both her sophomore and junior seasons. She was named Second Team All-State in 2008 and helped Shelley capture the State Championship. In golf she helped lead her team to three straight State Championships from 2007-09.

Kara Jenkins

"Sheryl is a true point guard and leader. She is a high energy player with the ability to dribble, pass, shoot, and defend," said Sobolewski. "In my opinion, I did not see many point guards on the west coast this summer who were as complete a player as Sheryl."

Idaho State also signed Jenkins, a 5'8" guard. Jenkins attends Auburn Riverside High School and was named SPSL League Honorable Mention in 2007 and 2009. She was also named an All-American Nominee by the Sporting News Magazine for the 2009-10 season.

Jenkins helped her team to back-to-back State Championships in 2007 and 2008. She also has competed in fast pitch softball and cross country. Jenkins is no stranger to leadership roles as she not only is a captain for her basketball team but for her fast pitch team as well.

"Kara was one of my favorite players to watch last summer," said Sobolewski. "She is a fierce competitor and a very physical guard. She goes along with our theme of recruiting players who are versatile. She can play inside and out."

The Bengals also signed 6'0" forward Horton from Cherokee Trail High School in Colorado. Horton was named First Team All-Conference and First Team All-City in 2007. She scored over 400 points as a freshman averaging 18 points per game which helped her team to the second round of the State play-offs in 2007.

Cydney Horton (Photo taken by Courtney Oakes/The Aurora Sentinel)

"Cydney will bring to the table the ability to be a strong player inside who can step out and score in the mid range. She has a strong athletic build and has the potential to be a very good forward. We are excited to have her here next year," stated Sobolewski.

The Idaho State women's basketball program continues its tradition of signing top players and top scholars as all three of ISU's recruits post a 3.3 GPA or better.