Montana State 12th-year head coach Tricia Binford has announced the signing of four high school standouts to National Letters-of-Intent as the early national signing period opened on Wednesday. Coral Gillette, a 6-foot guard from Bismarck, N.D., Tori Martell, a 5-8 guard from Somerset, Wis., Laura Pranger, a 6-2 forward from Centennial, Colo., and Ashley Van Sickle, a 5-7 guard from Arvada, Colo., will be eligible to play for the Bobcats during the 2017-18 season.
“This is a very competitive class and may be one of the best shooting classes we’ve ever signed,” Binford said. “All have the ability to really stretch the floor and become a big part of our up-tempo style.”
Gillette played her first season at Bismarck High School last season and averaged 13.6 points, 2.5 steals, 2.4 assists and 1.3 blocks per game for the Demons. She was named All-Western Dakota Association First-Team for her efforts. Gillette was a member of the Gillette Energy Classic championship team and was a member of the 15U Nike Nationals championships squad in 2015. Gillette played club ball with North Dakota Pro based in Fargo.
“Coral brings good size at the guard position,” Binford said. “She can stretch the floor with her length and she has the ability to hit from outside and to take it to the rim. We feel she has unlimited ceiling and will really fit well into our offense.”
Martell preps at Somerset High School where she has led the Spartans to a 50-21 overall mark during her tenure on the squad. Last season, she averaged 23.7 points per game and earned all-state and Middle Border Conference MVP accolades. As a freshman and sophomore, she averaged 17 points per contest and was all-conference both seasons. Also an all-conference pick in volleyball, Martell is a four-year academic letterwinner.
“Tori is a sharp-shooter with incredible range,” Binford said. “She’s a gym rat and really loves the game of basketball. Tori is a tough kid that has the ability to put a lot of points on the board. And, like our other kids, she played for an outstanding AAU club in the Minnesota Fury. She’ll be a great 1-2 combo guard for us.”
Pranger preps at Cherry Creek High School where she has helped the Bruins to a 60-19 record the past three seasons. Last season, she led her team in scoring as a junior and to a Great 8 finish state finish. As a sophomore, the Bruins made a final four appearance. Pranger was a First-Team All-Centennial League selection her sophomore and junior seasons and was an all-state honorable mention pick in 2015. In addition, Pranger played club ball for BC Denver where she averaged 11.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.6 blocks per game. She was also one of four non-seniors to participate in ‘The Show’ All-Star Game.
“Laura was heavily recruited after having a tremendous summer season,” Binford said. “We’re excited she chose to be part of the Bobcat family. Laura is a super-skilled player that can play multiple positions. She can hit from the perimeter and get to the rim. Defensively, she’s a shot changer and a strong rebounder.”
Van Sickle preps at Ralston Valley High School where she led the Mustangs to a 23-4 overall record, a JEFFCO 5A co-championship and a final four appearance at the Colorado 5A State Tournament last winter. As a junior, she averaged 15.6 points, 5.7 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 4.2 steals per game. For her efforts, Van Sickle was an All-Colorado Honorable Mention choice, a Second-Team Class 5A All-State pick, an all-tournament selection and a First-Team All-USA Colorado honoree. Van Sickle also garnered JEFFCO MVP honors, and was a First-Team All-JEFFCO performer. In addition, she was the Mustangs’ team captain and MVP. Van Sickle also played with BC Denver and helped the team to the US Junior Nationals Windy City Classic title and a USJN Nike Nationals runner-up finish. She was also featured in Sports Illustrated after recording a quadruple-double with 25 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists and ten steals in a game last year.
“Ashley is a floor general who makes everyone around her better,” Binford said. “She is a flat-out winner who has a tremendous feel for the game. Ashley excels in every facet of the game. She is a true competitor.”
2016-17 Montana State Fall Recruiting Class
Coral Gillette G 6-0 Fr HS Bismarck, ND/Bismarck HS
Tori Martell G 5-8 Fr HS Somerset, WI/Somerset HS
Laura Pranger F 6-2 Fr HS Centennial, CO/Cherry Creek HS
Ashley Van Sickle G 5-7 Fr HS Arvada, CO/Ralston Valley HS
