MARSHALL, Minn. - Southwest Minnesota State head women's basketball coach Mike Jewett announced today the signing of four student athletes for the 2010-11 season.  Breanna Holleman from Hancock, Minn., Hannah Beeler from Indianola, Iowa, Jessie Watts from Omaha, Neb., and Ellen Degler from Chaska, Minn., have all signed letters of intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at SMSU.  Today is the first day of the early signing period for NCAA women's basketball programs.

Holleman will graduate from Hancock High School this spring, where the 5-foot-8 guard has an impressive list of prep accolades.  A four-time all-conference performer, Holleman is a two-time all-state honoree and was named to the West Central Tribune All-Area first team twice and second team once.  During her junior season last year, Holleman was named the Pheasant Conference's most valuable player while she averaged 22.8 points, 4.6 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game.  She currently holds the school record for assists and points in a single season.  Holleman is on pace to become HHS's all-time scoring leader and currently has 1,782 career points.

“We are extremely excited to sign a young lady like Bree; she has had a tremendous high school career and has prepared herself for a super senior season,” said Jewett.  “She has a great skill set and can handle and shoot the ball particularly well.  Bree also has excellent court awareness, great vision and the ability to make those around her better.”

Beeler is currently a senior at Indianola High School where she has lettered three times with the basketball program.  The two-time all-conference selection and all-district honoree averaged 12.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game last season as a junior.  Beeler, a 5-foot-11 forward, also averaged more than 10 points per game as a sophomore.

“We are getting an inside-outside player with range and a great shooting touch with Hannah.  Her mobility and versatility will allow her to play more than one position, and her ability to shoot the ball will be a great asset to our program,” Jewett said.  “Out of necessity, Hannah has played with her back to the basket throughout her high school career.  Knowing that, we believe as she gets more and more opportunities to face the basket that she will develop into a valuable player in our system.”

Watts will be a 2010 graduate of Millard North High School.  The 6-foot wing/forward averaged nine points per game last season and shot 53 percent from the field.  Watts was also named all-state honorable mention in 2009.

“Jessie is a great athlete with a lot of raw potential.  She is best off the dribble but can also knock down the three and play with her back to the basket,” Jewett said.  “Jessie will fit nicely into our up-tempo style of play, and we will utilize her in multiple positions.  We are looking forward to having Jessie in the program and believe that her best basketball is still in front of her.”

Degler will graduate from Chaska High School this spring after a successful career on the basketball and volleyball courts.  As a junior, she averaged 10.4 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.  She was also named All-Lakes Conference.  Degler has also committed to playing volleyball at SMSU.

“Ellen is a blue collar, high energy player who plays the game with great intensity,” Jewett said.  “She has a knack for scoring around the basket and is an excellent rebounder.  We look forward to Ellen joining our team following the college volleyball season.”

The Mustangs, who finished 14-16 (6-14 NSIC) last season, will play one exhibition game at home against Bethel on Saturday at 3 p.m. before opening the regular season at home on Nov. 20 and 21 when Truman (Mo.) and Hillsdale (Mich.) come to Marshall for the SMSU Classic.

Southwest Minnesota State University, located in Marshall, Minn., is a member of NCAA Division II and the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.