Women's Basketball Incoming Players for 08-09

All Area South Haven guard casts her lot with the Cougars...........

South Haven sparkler signs with Valley

Mariah Hilliard   5'6" Guard  South Haven HS

Coach Vince Bowman of South Haven high school calls his senior guard a "difference maker" and her new coach, Ron Welch at KVCC, agrees. "This gal is a 'diamond in the rough." offered Welch.  "We think she has the potential to be an All Star in this league and will blossom into a special player for us."      Hilliard was a Class "B" BCAM All State honorable mention player who led her team in every statistical category, scoring at 14 points a game.  She also averaged over 5 rebounds a game from her guard spot.       Named to the Kalamazoo All Area A-B team, she was also a 1st team All Conference choice (for the third time) by the coaches in the Wolverine Conference. She is at her best with the ball in her hands and seems to have the knack for finding her open teammates.       "We saw Mariah as a junior and liked her, but the game that really convinced us was late in her senior season against Paw Paw. They didn't get that win, but she was impressive at both ends of the floor. Paw Paw tried to press them - and couldn't." enthused a pleased Coach Welch.  "It was because of the attention Mariah was given and how she played under that pressure."       "Mariah is excited about the opportunity to come into an established program." said Welch, "and we're extremely pleased she's going to be a Cougar for the next couple years.  She joins another strong freshman recruiting class and we expect big things from this 'under the radar' kid."

   
Mariah & Coach share a moment.                        Mom & brother get to know new coach