April 17, 2008
Lady Diggers sign Air Force transfer

Montana Tech women’s basketball coach Kerie DePell has announced another signing for the 2008-09 basketball season.  Katie Cross, originally of Graham High School, WA, has decided to continue her basketball career next year as an Oredigger.

Cross, a 5-10 forward, brings a unique experience level to the Diggers.  For the last nine months, she has been a member of the Air Force Prep Academy, in Colorado Springs, CO.  The Prep Academy is similar to the junior college level; they play a complete schedule of various junior college teams.  Then at the end of the year, they re-evaluate and decided whether or not the military life is a fit for them, and/or the NCAA Division I Air Force Academy basketball program is a fit for them.  While she enjoyed serving and learning in the military atmosphere, she has decided that she would like to pursue a different path to her schooling. 

Cross started at the small forward position for the Prep Academy, but didn’t have the chance to play for very long, due to an injury.  She tore her ACL, and was out for the season after only several games. 

“Katie has an exciting future here.  She has been a part of a college program for a year, and knows what it takes at this level, however, she will only be a freshman in eligibility.  She has some unique qualities that will help her compete in the NAIA level.   The program she comes from at the Prep Academy, was coached by Butte native Kelly Johnson, so Katie has a solid base of fundamentals, good athleticism, and an amazing work ethic.  Katie will help us on the floor in the areas of rebounding, physical baskets in the paint, intensity, competitiveness, and experience.  She is an undersized, physical, mobile post player, who brings a skill set that we don’t have on the team yet.  Even though she wasn’t able to play the full season, the tapes I’ve watched, along with the recommendation of Coach Johnson, lead me to believe she will be a great player for the Diggers next year.” said Coach DePell.

Here is what Katie said about joining the Diggers, “I chose to go to Montana Tech because everyone I met made me feel like I was right at home.  I can see myself going to school, playing basketball and enjoying the next four years at Montana Tech.”

Cross will look to continue her academic success in the classroom here at Tech.  She currently holds a 3.8 GPA, and plans to enter the Civil Engineering program next year.

April 15, 2008
WBB inks JC Transfer

Brittanie Toone, a shooting guard from Gooding, ID, has signed on to play for Kerie DePell and the Montana Tech Orediggers next season.  She attended and played for Gooding High School, and then has played for Walla Walla Community College for the last two seasons. 

“I am very excited to have Brittanie next year.  She was a top recruit of ours this spring, and I can’t wait to coach her.  She fills a role that we don’t have yet on this team.  She is a strong, physical, shooting guard who is also a great defensive player.  She is a pure shooter from the outside, and is also very effective at creating shots for her teammates.  She will be an immediate impact player for us on the court next season, but more than that, she is a serious student, who will be a great example for others to follow in that regard.  She will be looked upon to help lead our team on the court and off, to a successful season.”

Toone excelled in many sports in high school, but basketball has always been her passion.  She was a 4 year starter on her high school varsity team, as well as earned SCIC All-Conference Team all 4 years.  She was named GHS Best Offensive Player for 3 years, was Idaho Statesman 3A 2nd Team for 2 years, was on the Times News All Area Girls Basketball Rising All-Star Team, Magic Valley Senior All-Star Team, and played in the North-South All-State Game.  She also has the distinction of scoring over 1,000  points in her high school career.  She was just as successful in the classroom, being named Idaho Top Scholar, IHSAA Interscholastic Star for GHS, Wendy's Heisman Top 10 girls in Idaho, and the IHSAA Citizenship Award.

While at Walla Walla Community College, she averaged 17ppg, and was named to the 2008 NWAACC Championship Tournament 2nd Team.  Academically she continued her high school success by earning a spot on the Vice President’s List for the Fall of 2006, and the Winter of 2007.  She also served as the ASB Assistant Executive Vice President in 2006-07, and then ASB Executive Vice President in 2007-08.

Here is what Brittanie said about her decision to come to Butte, “I chose Montana Tech because I can get an excellent education through their pre-physical therapy program.  As a player I hope to help lead the team to be competitive in the Frontier Athletic Conference and possibly get the opportunity to go to nationals.”

Brittanie will arrive in the fall, and start working toward a degree in Pre-Physical Therapy.

April 10, 2008
Tech WBB inks forward

Montana Tech Women’s Basketball Coach Kerie DePell has announced another signing for the 2008-09 season. Catelyn Lower, of Hellgate High School, will continue her basketball career as an Oredigger.

Lower, a 5-6 point guard from Missoula, MT, is a quick, heady guard who will bring ballhandling and athleticism to the backcourt of the Diggers. She was a 4 year basketball letter-winner at Class AA Hellgate High School, and has earned many awards and honors throughout her career. As a senior she was voted All-Conference, team captain, and finished the year ranked 4th in the state in assists per game. Lower was also recently named the Hellgate High School Female Student Athlete of the Year, for 2007-08.

Not only is Lower successful on the court, but she also excels in the classroom. She is a four year member of the Honor Roll, a National Honor Society participant, and currently holds an impressive 3.65 GPA.

“Catelyn is an exciting prospect because she has a lot of the tools needed to be a successful college player. She is extremely quick, great on defense, and can handle the ball comfortably. She also has a unique ability that will help also, she shoots right handed, but a lot of her dribbling and passing is with her left. To be ambidextrous is a great advantage to have as a guard. She is a great player, an even better student, and I’m excited to see what she can do here at Tech next year.”

Lower will join the Orediggers this fall, and begin her path toward either a Pre-Professional Health, or Healthcare Informatics degree.

April 8, 2008
Tech Women sign Hellgate standout

Lindsie Wilson, a 6‐2 forward from Pleasant Grove, Utah, has signed an NAIA Letter of Intent to play basketball for Montana Tech for the 2008‐09 season.

Wilson has just completed two seasons at Snow College, in Ephraim, UT, a premier junior college
program in the Scenic West Athletic Conference. She was a two year starter and a key player for the Snow Badgers since her arrival in 2006.

Before Snow College, she excelled in numerous sports at Orem High School. In basketball she earned 4 varsity letters in basketball, was Team Captain her senior year, averaged 12ppg, 6rpg, 3apg, and was named 2006 Utah Valley Girls Basketball Player of the Year, 2006 Salt Lake Tribune 4A MVP, 2006 Deseret Morning News 4A First Team All‐State, and a McDonald’s All‐American Game Nominee. Her proudest accomplishment however, was that she led her Orem High School teammates to a 4A State Championship title in her senior year.

While at Snow College, she earned SWAC Women’s Basketball Player of the Week, was named to the 2006‐07 All‐Region Honorable Mention Team, and the 2008‐09 2nd Team All‐Conference, while averaging 10.5ppg, 5.4rpg, and 1 assist, block, and steal per game.

“Lindsie is going to be a key player next year for the Diggers, because of her experience and versatility. She fills the stat sheet every night with points, rebounds, blocks, assists, steals, etc. I believe she has the ability to become one of the best defensive players in the Frontier Conference. With her height, athleticism, and ability to shoot from the perimeter, she will be a nightmare for other teams to match up against. I’m excited to coach Lindsie because of her competitiveness as a basketball player, and also her integrity as a person. She has a Great attitude, and will bring leadership to our team as well. The sky is the limit for her.” said Coach DePell.

Here is what Wilson had to say about her decision to play for the Orediggers, over other NCAA Division I and NAIA Division I schools:

“I guess the reason I chose to come to Montana Tech is because I’ve been given the opportunity to be a part of the amazing program Coach DePell is creating there. Her returning players are amazing and from what I hear so are the recruits she is bringing in. I’m honored to be given the chance to play for a coach like her and a program like hers. I think she is building a team that will be a force to be reckoned with in the Frontier Conference, and to be a part of that is really exciting. I can’t wait to get to work! Go Diggers!”

Wilson will join the Diggers in the fall, and start on her way toward a Pre‐Physical Therapy degree.

February 27, 2008
Tech hosts Dare to Dream Night

Montana Tech will host Dare to Dream Night on Saturday, March 1 as the Orediggers face MSU-Northern. Tech embraces the dream of longtime booster Leo McCarthy. Leo launched Mariah’s Challenge – a campaign to curb drunk driving and underage drinking in Butte – after his daughter was struck by a car. The Orediggers will recognize teens who have accepted Mariah’s Challenge to never drink and drive and to stop their friends from driving drunk. Athletic Director Joe McClafferty says he is excited about aiding Leo’s efforts.

“Mariah’s Challenge is already having a positive effect on our community,” McClafferty said. “We applaud all who accept the challenge.”

Montana Tech will donate proceeds from Saturday’s 50/50 drawing to support Mariah’s Challenge.  The women’s game tips off at 6:00 pm, with the men following at 8:00.

February 17, 2008
Diggers fall short in thrilling double-headers

As raucous crowds packed Tech's HPER Arena, the Diggers treated their fans to exciting basketball.

Articles from the Montana Standard:

vs. Rocky

vs. Carroll

February 13, 2008
Orediggers to host Think Pink Cancer Benefit

Montana Tech is proud to join the fight against cancer by hosting Think Pink Night on Saturday, February 16. The Diggers will face Carroll College, with the women’s team tipping off at 6:00 pm. Think Pink is part of a national cancer awareness campaign organized by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association.

“Cancer is just a word until it affects the life of someone you love,” said Athletic Director Joe McClafferty.

Montana Tech will donate the proceeds from sales of 50/50 tickets and pink gym bags to aid Mairissa Peoples in her battle with cancer.

“Mairissa Peoples is one of too many youths in our community that are battling cancer when they should be hanging out with friends and playing on courts and fields,” McClafferty said. “We want to show our support for Mairissa and other youths who would give anything to continue to participate in sports. We wish all who are battling cancer God’s blessings.”

Digger student-athletes and coaches will wear pink, and anyone wearing pink will receive free admission.

“My team and coaching staff will be wearing the color pink on Saturday to signify our support for Mairissa Peoples and all the other youths that have had to put their lives on hold to battle cancer,” said Head Coach Kerie DePell. “I certainly wish the very best for Mairissa, and hope these events bring awareness and financial support to her cause.”

February 4, 2008
Digger women building a great recruiting class

Montana Tech head women’s basketball coach, Kerie DePell, announced on Monday that 6’1” Jessica Masters, of Marysville, WA, has signed a Frontier Conference / NAIA National Letter of Intent to play basketball for Montana Tech. 

She is the third signee of first year head coach DePell, who had this to say about Masters. “Jessica is a very exciting player for us to sign.  She has a tremendous upside, knowing that she has it all, height, athleticism, shooting touch, excellent court vision, and a great desire and passion to win.  I love that she is going to be a spark on the court, and be a loyal teammate off the court.  She is also a diligent student, who will fit right in the mold of the rigorous academics at Montana Tech.  I can’t wait to get her here and see what success she can lead us to!”

Masters has earned many athletic awards and honors throughout her high school career.  As a junior last year, she was voted Honorable Mention All-Wesco League in basketball, which is one of the largest leagues in Washington, a varsity team captain, and last summer was invited to be on the 2007 USA Junior Nationals Team. This senior season, she was voted All-Wesco in volleyball, and is a team captain again for her basketball team, whom she is currently leading into the District playoffs, starting next week.  She has an impressive stat line, averaging 12 points per game, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds.  She also currently holds an excellent 3.5 grade point average.

When asked why she chose Tech over other schools recruiting her, she had this to say, “I’m excited to come into a school and program that has solid values and is definitely going in the right direction.  The people of Butte and at Tech were very friendly and seem to really care about the students; it just seems like a great environment!”

February 3, 2008
Tech women rough up Wales, 79-47
By Pat Ryan of the Montana Standard

The Montana Tech women’s basketball team suited up only seven players for Friday’s nonconference game against Johnson & Wales out of Denver, but it turned out that fact didn’t make much difference.

First, the Wildcats also suited up only seven, leaving the playing field even. Second, the Orediggers played like they had eight bodies on the floor for the duration of the game in posting a 79-47 win at the HPER Complex.

Tech’s Stephanie Langford was two assists shy of a triple-double, as she scored 22 points, had 10 rebounds and dished eight assists. She also had three steals in the contest.

More

January 29, 2008
Oredigger women sign another

BUTTE, MT (Jan. 28) – Tabitha Tomlinson, a 5-7 point guard from Puyallup, Washington, has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball for Montana Tech next year.  She is the second high school senior to commit to play for Coach DePell and the Orediggers for the 2008-09 season. 

Tomlinson is an exciting, athletic, accurate shooting point guard who has earned numerous honors and accolades in her illustrious high school career.  Beyond her basketball ability, her academic success is just as exciting to the Tech coaching staff.  Tabitha has always been a great student; she is currently ranked #18 out of 657 students in her graduating class at Puyallup High School. 

“We are very fortunate to sign a player of Tabitha’s caliber.  I believe as a player Tabitha has a huge upside. She is quick and athletic, and has a great shooting touch. She is a natural point guard who sees the court well, so is an exceptional passer.  She can create for herself and for her teammates off the dribble.  I think as a player she fits into our system, and will be very successful.  She will make an immediate impact on the court, as well as to the university as an exceptional student.” said Coach DePell.

Last season Tomlinson dominated games, averaging 14.0 points per game, 5.4 assists per game, and 2.7 steals per game.  She has led her Puyallup High School team to two straight 4A State Tournament appearances, which is the largest high school classification in Washington State.  She was voted 1st Team all league South Puget Sound League in both her sophomore and junior years (2006 and 2007), and also was recently named WIAA/Seattle Times Player of the Week in December of 2007.

Tomlinson has chosen to play at Montana Tech for several reasons. 

"I chose Montana Tech mainly because the coaching staff
and faculty made me feel warm and welcome. I am excited
to play on the new Kelvin Sampson Court. I loved the city
of Butte, it felt like a great place to get a first class
education in Business."

January 27, 2008
Tech women turn back Argos
From the Montana Standard

GREAT FALLS — The Montana Tech women’s basketball team picked up its second conference win of the season Saturday, handing the University of Great Falls Argos a 55-51 decision.

“This was huge,” said Montana Tech head coach Kerie DePell. “Everybody contributed tonight.”

Tech’s players had to contribute, as the Orediggers played the majority of the game with only seven bodies. Starting post Jenessa Todd injured her knee in the first half and sat out the remainder of the game.

Jessie DePell earned kudos from coach DePell, who called her the player of the game. Tech’s converted point guard scored 16 points in the contest.

“(The Argos) spent so much time trying to defend Jessie that everyone else was able to score as well,” Kerie DePell said.

More

January 25, 2008
Diggers sign local talent
From the Montana Standard

Montana Tech head women’s basketball coach, Kerie DePell, announced on Thursday the signing of Montana prep star Brianne McClafferty.

A resident of Butte, the 5-foot-11 wing has the ability to make an immediate impact for the Oredigger program.

Averaging 10 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals per game, she has helped the Butte High School Bulldogs to a record-breaking season. They are undefeated at 10-0, and are ranked No. 1 in the state, for the first time in the history of Butte High girls’ basketball.

McClafferty has the ability to be a major factor on the floor for the Orediggers next season, a press release said.

More

January 20, 2008
Oredigger Basketball teams fall short in double headers

Both of Montana Tech basketball teams lost to Westminster and Lewis-Clark State over the weekend. The women's team is now 7-11 overall

Stories from the Montana Standard:

vs. Westminster
vs. Lewis-Clark State

January 7, 2008
Tech women put down the 'Dogs
By Pat Ryan of the Montana Standard

The nets in the University of Montana Western’s Straugh Gymnasium might need replacing after the heat they absorbed from the Montana Tech women’s basketball team Saturday.

The Orediggers blazed to an 88-79 victory over the Bulldogs in the Frontier Conference opener for both squads. It was Tech’s first win over the Western women in recent years.

Angela Gimeno led a hot-shooting Oredigger attack with 26 points — including 6-of-9 shooting from behind the arc — as Tech hit 65 percent from long distance.

“They shot the lights out,” said Western head coach Kevin Engellant. “They seemed to knock down just about every open shot.”

More

Photos from the Lady Orediggers' victory over Snow College

Gallery 1

Gallery 2

November 21, 2007
Orediggers bombard Bluefield

The Lady Orediggers opened the Peg Sarsfield Rotary Classic with a 107-67 shelling of Bluefield College.

Photos

Gallery 1

Gallery 2

November 21, 2007
Tech women ready to play at home
By Pat Ryan of the Montana Standard

If the Montana Tech women’s basketball team had a homecoming celebration, the upcoming Peg Sarsfield Classic might be the time for it.

After playing seven of their first nine games on the road — including the last three against Big Sky Conference Div. I opponents — the Orediggers are ready to settle in at home and play a few here.

Montana Tech hosts Bluefield College Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the tourney tip-off on the Kelvin Sampson Court of the HPER Complex.

The teams take a break for Thanksgiving, then it’s back to action on Friday and Saturday for Tech, Bluefield, Snow College, Carroll College and Montana-Western.

Story

November 16, 2007
Griz take a bite out of Tech
From the Montana Standard

MISSOULA — The Montana Tech women’s basketball team ran into a tough opponent in a tough venue Thursday, falling to the Montana Lady Griz 79-54 at Dahlberg Arena.

“They’re a great team,” said Tech coach Kerie DePell, noting that the Griz received votes in the latest Top-25 poll. “They came out firing. We played zone and they hit the three. We’d switch to man and they went inside. We were overmatched.”

Montana’s Sonya Rogers lit up the boards for 18 points to lead all scorers, while Mandy Morales posted a double-double for the Griz with 14 points and 10 assists.

All 10 Orediggers who got in the game scored, led by 11 from Jenessa Todd and 10 from Rebecca Gimeno.

Story

November 15, 2007
Tech Women fall to ISU
From the Montana Standard

Pocatello, Idaho — Montana Tech’s women’s basketball team sprung out to a 10-2 lead over Idaho State Tuesday, but couldn’t maintain the margin and had to settle for a 93-62 decision in favor of the Bengals.

ISU’s Natalie Doma registered a double-double performance, scoring 25 points and grabbing 15 rebounds in just 24 minutes on the floor. Andrea Lightfoot pitched in 17 points, while Bianca Cheever and Kaylynn Fager both came off the bench to add double digit scoring with 14 and 13 points respectively. The Bengal bench outscored the Oredigger bench 42-14.

Tech ran to its eight-point lead in the first four minutes of the game, but the next eight saw the Bengals rattle off a 27-2 run and the game was never again close.

Tech fell to 3-5, while the Bengals, members of the Big Sky Conference, evened up at 1-1.

Jessie DePell and Adrea Thomas scored 13 each for the Orediggers, while Angela Gimeno tacked on 10. Kimber Peters snagged eight boards for Tech, and Thomas recorded three steals and three assists.

Story

November 12, 2007
Eagles edge Orediggers
From the Montana Standard

CHENEY, Wash. — The Eastern Washington University Eagles edged a visiting Montana Tech women’s basketball squad 63-48 on Sunday.

The Big Sky Conference Eagles paced the game for most of the first half, but fell victim to a 7-1 Tech run at the beginning of the second half. The Orediggers came within two points before Eastern Washington hit a trey in the final 10 minutes to finally pull away.

Katy Baker and Tatjana Sparavalo paced the Eagles with 18 and 17 points.

The Eagles showed marksmanship from long distance as the team went 10-for-20 on 3-point attempts.

Tech’s effort was led by Adrea Thomas and Angela Gimeno with 11 and 10 points. Thomas and Jenessa Todd also finished with 10 and 15 rebounds.

Afterwards, Eastern Washington felt Tech gave them a tough matchup.

Story

Sign up for the Peg Sarsfield Rotary Classic! Montana Tech will host the 3 on 3 Tournament November 23-24 for boys and girls in grades 3-8.

Click here for more information.

November 5, 2007
Tech upends Wolves 104-51
By Sean Eamon of the Montana Standard

The Orediggers took only five seconds to get a 2-0 lead in Sunday’s noon game against Walla Walla University at the HPER Comlex. The Angela Gimeno lay-in was quick foreshadowing of the ultimate result of the game.

As Gimeno rolled in for an instant lead after tip off, Tech (3-2) began a 104-51 steamrolling of the Walla Walla Wolves (0-4).

The Orediggers had a huge first half as they took a 59-21 lead into the locker room. The advantage was a result of a 19-0 run at the end of the half.

“Our girls came out and had a great start,” Tech coach Kerie DePell said. “It was fun to play. The whole team got in.” The Wolves didn’t start out any better in the second half as Tech continued its run to 27-0 before Walla Walla finally scored. Six minutes into the second half, Tech had earned a 50-point lead.

Full Story

October 17, 2007
Lady Digger Media Guides now available

The 2007 Oredigger Basketball Media & Fan Guides are now available online. Printed versions will be available at home games.

Click here to view the online Media Guide.

October 10, 2007
Lady Diggers set for tip off

The Lady Orediggers will play the first ever basketball game on Montana Tech’s Kelvin Sampson Court on Thursday, October 11. The Diggers will tip off against Lethbridge at 6:00 p.m. Admission is free for all ages.

Head Coach Kerie DePell says her team is excited to open their season in the newly renovated HPER Arena.

“We are excited and honored to be playing the inaugural basketball game on the Kelvin Sampson Court. Joe McClafferty has done an excellent job in creating the first choice vision for Montana Tech. The court is physically better on the athlete’s legs, and also looks great!

“On Thursday we are playing University of Lethbridge, from Alberta, Canada. They are a well-coached, talented team, who is annually in the top tier of their conference. We did beat them last year, but they played us tough, and they have several great guards who we will have to key on. I’m very excited to get our girls out on the court, playing as a team, against another school; it gets old playing against each other every day in practice.

“We are hoping that by making entry to the game free, we will get a lot of people to come out and cheer us on. We are going to be a fast-paced, high-scoring team that is going to be fun to watch, and will make Butte proud!”