Erickson adds to Skylights' depth with pair of recruits

Erickson adds to Skylights' depth with pair of recruits
By Ryan Divish/Havre Daily News Sports Editor/rdivish@havredailynews.com

Montana State University-Northern women's basketball head coach Mike Erickson has added his first new recruits for the 2005-06 basketball seasons, signing a pair of players.

Chelsie Searle, a 5-11 guard, has signed an NAIA letter of intent to play for the Skylights after spending the past two seasons at Sheridan College in Sheridan, Wyo.
Searle averaged eight points, five rebounds and three assists per game this past season for the Lady Generals, who are coached by former Montana State coach Frank McCarthy. Sheridan finished with a 19-13 record. As a freshman at Sheridan, Searle averaged seven points and eight rebounds a game.

"Chelsie is a very unselfish player that truly believes defense and teamwork wins championships and will demonstrate that every minute she is on the court," Erickson said. "She is a type of player that will bring instant physical toughness along with a great understanding of the game to our program."

Before attending Sheridan, Searle was a standout player for Shelly High School in Shelly, Idaho. A three-year starter at Shelly, she earned all-state and all-area honors and was named to the McDonald's All-American Idaho team. She was also a team captain during senior season, leading her team to the 2002-03 state championship.

"Chelsie is a player that would make any team better by her positive outlook, hard work and her outstanding basketball skills," Erickson said. "I feel very fortunate to have her a part of our program the next two years."

Chelsie is the daughter of Kevin and Jill Searle of Shelly, Idaho.

Also joining the Skylights next season will be Helena High standout guard Mandee Carroll.

Carroll averaged 12 points, four rebounds and two assists a game this season for the Bengals, earning first-team all-conference honors in the Class AA East. As a junior, Carroll earned first-team all-conference and all-state honors.

"Mandee is a great addition to our Skylight program," Erickson said. "She will bring added depth to our guard position as a 3-point specialist and a great passer."

Besides basketball, Carroll is an all-conference volleyball and softball player. Off the court, Carroll was vice president of her senior class and a member of the National Honor Society.

"Mandee is a very coachable kid that is willing to learn and better her self through hard work and discipline," Erickson said. "Her competitive attitude will help her develop into a great player as she matures through the program."

Carroll will enter the drafting program at Northern and is the daughter of Colleen Carroll of Helena.