Fresno State Athletics
`Dogs Ink Four for 2016
11/12/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
By Josh Mitchell
jomitchell@csufrenso.edu
GoBulldogs.com
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State women's basketball head coach Jaime White has announced the signing four student-athletes to her 2016 class. The group includes Kristina Cavey, Megan Nilsson, Katelin Noyer and Saraya Smith.
"I couldn't be more pleased with our recruiting class," White said. "All four kids have a passion to be a Bulldog and we have enjoyed recruiting each one them and getting to know their families. With five seniors leaving next year, this class of recruits will impact us immediately, on the court, in the classroom and with high character."
Cavey, a 6-foot athlete who can play multiple positions, averaged 17.3 points, six rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.1 steals as a junior during the 2014-15 season for Berthoud High School in Berthoud, Colo. She has been a first team all-conference, first team all-area and all-state honorable mention selection in each of the past two seasons. As a sophomore, Cavey was named both Conference Player of the Year and Area Player of the Year after leading Berthoud to a share of the Tri-Valley Conference championship.
Last year she was a member of the USJN Ocoberfest Battle of the Border All-Star Team and AZ Elite Tournament Team. Cavey has also had the opportunity to compete at the 3x3 National Tournament at the US Olympic Training Center.
Off the court, Cavey has excelled in track competing in the high jump, triple jump 800m and 4x800. She is a three-time state qualifier, finishing fourth last year in the high jump where she owns a school record of 5-3.
"Kristina has a never-ending work ethic with a versatility to play the 2, 3 or 4 spots," White said of Colorado Elite Club player. "Her ability to score in multiple ways will be a major impact."
Nilsson, a 6-foot-2 forward from Colbert, Wash., is a Division I-level goalkeeper on the soccer field who has recently turned her attention primarily to the basketball court. Both of her coaches, David Pratt at Mt. Spokane and Northwest Blazers director Steve Klees, expect her game to continually grow throughout her final season in Washington and beyond.
Given her abilities off the court, Nilsson is an athletic big who can run well for size and possesses a wingspan nearly as long as she is tall.
"Megan is a strong post presence with quick feet and a physical game," White said. "Adding her to the Bulldogs will be another important piece to our inside game."
Noyer is a 6-foot-4 center from Auckland, New Zealand who has competed for her U19 national team and trained with the senior national team. She averaged 12 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, and 2.8 assists in 22 minutes per game during 2015.
She has won national championships at both the U17 and U19 levels, and competed with the New Zealand U19 national team at the FIBA Oceanic world qualifiers.
"At 6-foot-4, Katelin has an array of moves at the center spot," White said. "As a lefty, she can face up, shoot the half hook or attack the basket aggressively."
Smith averaged 15 points, five rebounds three assists and three steals per game as a junior at Ponderosa High School. The 6-foot guard is rated by ESPNU HoopGurlz as a three-star prospect with a grade of 89.
Smith, who plays AAU basketball for WCP Golden City, has earned All-Tournament team honors at both the Nike EOT Tournament and Oak Ridge Toss Up. She is the daughter of former Portland Trailblazer, Reggie Smith.
"Saraya is a 6-foot guard who can play multiple positions," White said. "She is a versatile scorer with her height and is able to go inside or out. Saraya also gives us the ability to switch screens defensively as she has a high basketball IQ."
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