Blackburn College Women’s Basketball Announces Recruiting Class

The Blackburn Women’s Basketball team is looking to rebuild the program under the direction of new Head Coach and Blackburn Alum Jim Chandler. Coach Chandler announced an eight player recruiting class for the upcoming 17-18 season.

“We are very excited about the future of the Blackburn women’s program, and this recruiting class will be the base of future success for our program. It takes a special type of student athlete to attend Blackburn College, and these talented young women are a perfect fit for the school and program with their integrity, work ethic and skill.”

Haley Crider

Haley is a 5’8 F from Granite City, IL. Haley averaged 3.2 PPG and 4.7 RPG for the Warriors. She is a versatile athlete who shot 45.2% from the field and will bring an inside-out presence to the program. Haley Won the Woody Moad Award, and also was a member of the National Honor Society and an Illinois State Scholar.

Jenna Dudra

Jenna is a 5’6 G from Pana, IL. Jenna was an All-Conference performer who led the Panthers to 14 wins her senior season. She averaged 10.6 PPG 5.6 RPG and 2.3 APG. Jenna will bring an athletic presence to the court and is a versatile player who should make an immediate impact in her freshman season helping on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor.

Brianna Henke

Brianna is a 5’11 F from Mt. Olive, IL. Brianna was an All-Conference player who led Mt. Olive to a stellar 25-4 record her senior year. She scored 1525 points in her four year career and averaged 13.5 PPG and 6.7 RPG in her final campaign. Brianna will be counted on to being an inside presence and rebounding to the program in this coming year, and she also is a member of the women’s volleyball program.

Savannah Kruse

Savannah is a 5’8 F from Lake St. Louis, MO. Savannah is a versatile athlete who led her team in rebounding her senior year. She averaged 13.6 PPG and 9.8 RPG for her senior year playing against strong competition in the Gateway Athletic Conference and was also named to All-Tournament teams at St. Charles West and Liberty. Savannah will bring instant scoring and rebounding help to the program in this coming year.

Annika Ochs

Annika is a 5’3 Point Guard from Bethalto, IL. Annika was a member of a highly successful Civic Memorial team that finished 31-3 last year. She averaged close to 1.0 PPG 1.0 RPG and 1.0 APG, but Annika is a general on the floor whose leadership and defensive abilities go beyond statistics. She was a National Honor Society member and Eagle Pride winner who also was a regional 3 point champion. Annika also is a member of the women’s volleyball program and will be counted on to contend for minutes at the point guard position.

Olivia Olroyd

Olivia is a 5’7 G from Carlinville, IL. Olivia was an integral member of the Carlinville High School program that had 18 wins her senior season. She averaged 2.5 PPG and 2.5 RPG last year. Olivia is a hard working player who will bring high character, work ethic and basketball knowledge to the court. Olivia should contend for minutes at the guard position in her freshman season and bring depth to the lineup.

Kaylee Pedigo

Kaylee is a 5’11 F from Benton, IL. Kaylee was a SIRR All-Conference performer and two year starter at the forward position at Benton. Kaylee averaged 6.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, and 1.7 APG in her senior season that also saw her named to the All-Tourney team at the Benton Tourney and was a member of the SICA All Star game. Kaylee will be counted on to bring a rugged inside game and rebounding strength for Blackburn this season.

Kate Smith

Kate is a 5’8 G from DuQuoin, IL. Kate was a two- time All-Conference performer and three year starter at the point guard position at DuQuoin. She averaged 9.1 PPG, 3.3 APG, and 2.6 RPG in a senior season that also saw her shoot 65% from the FT line. Kate finished her career in the top 10 career scorers for DuQuoin and was named Team MVP as well as to the SICA All South team. Kate will be counted on to bring an athletic presence to the guard position for Blackburn this season, and should make an immediate impact to the program.