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ICC in good location for most recent recruit
North Dakota’s Miss Basketball signs on with Cougars
June 13, 2009
By Journal Star staff
Reprinted with permission of the Journal Star
The Cougars hope North Dakota Miss Basketball Ali Collins can be part of a team that earns its own impressive title as NJCAA Division II champions.
Collins’ desire to continue her career near family members in Peoria helped her become the eighth player to sign with ICC.
“We were in an advantageous position just because of location,” ICC coach Steve Garber said. “Really, she had her mind set on this area.”
Collins’ father, Eddie, played at Central.
Ali Collins, a 5-foot-9 point guard from Mandan High School, was part of three state championship teams in Class A, the larger of North Dakota’s two enrollment classes. Mandan placed fourth in the 2009 state tournament.
Collins averaged 19.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists as a senior. She also averaged a state-best 5.8 steals.
“She’s a very prolific player in all aspects of her game,” Garber said.
“She does a little bit of everything. She can score, yet she has a nose for the ball on the defensive end. She fits perfectly into our style, both on the offensive and defensive end.”
Collins’ parents — Eddie and Becky — both played basketball at Bismarck (N.D.) State College.
Collins became the third Mandan player in the last five seasons to win North Dakota Miss Basketball honors.
“She’s definitely one of our most high-profile players coming in, but we have some other players that will do quite well, and there’s always a sleeper,” Garber said.
The ICC coach is looking to use his final scholarship for next season on a post player.
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