Cottey inks pair of in-state basketball recruits

Herald-Tribune

NEVADA, Mo. -- Cottey College signed a pair of basketball recruits this week to team with the super six returning from last season's NJCAA Region 16 runner-up team.

Cottey head coach Dave Ketterman didn't have to cross state lines when he signed forward Elizabeth Wagoner and guard Melissa Hedges to add depth to a strong returning squad.

Monday, the Comets signed Wagoner from Crest Ridge High School in Centerview, Mo. The 5-11 Wagoner averaged nine points and seven rebounds per game for the Cougars as they went to the state quarterfinals in Class 2.

"I think we're real fortunate to get a kid like this," Ketterman said.

The third-year Cottey head coach envisions Wagoner playing the 3, 4 and 5 positions for the Comets.

"She has an excellent mid-range jumper and can finish with her back to the basket," Ketterman said. "She's an excellent rebounder both offensively and defensively."

Wagoner will be reunited with returning sophomore guard Kerri Shanks, who also went to Crest Ridge.

Wagoner was an Academic All-State selection and is ranked first in her class. She will team with returning second-team All-American Lacy Leonard and Ashleigh Houdyshell to give Cottey three different styles of inside players for the upcoming season.

Hedges, of Glendale High School in Springfield, Mo., signed Friday.

The 5-8 guard will play the 2 and 3 positions for the Comets, and gives Ketterman a possible answer to the taller guards from region champion St. Louis Community College-Meramec that gave the Comets fits last season.

"(Hedges) is excellent off the dribble drive and is a very good passer as well," Ketterman said.

Hedges also can knock down outside shots, converting over 40 percent from beyond the arc her junior year.

"What Melissa does is give us a big guard that is capable of scoring and can attack the basket and allows us to have a three-guard rotation," Ketterman said.

Hedges averaged 11 points and four rebounds per game her senior season for the Falcons of the Central Ozark Conference.

"She's played four years in that conference," Ketterman said. "Those kids do not take a night off."

Glendale is a Class 5 basketball school.

Hedges also is a good student, compiling a 3.8 GPA.