Pair of Scottie Gems Sign To Play Next Level Basketball

Tetons basketball head coach Kia Herbel did not have to look too far to find talent for next season's roster.

Using assistant coach Jenna Bolstad's familiarity with recruiting in the region, they were able to unearth two gems out of Glasgow.

On Dec. 18, guard Jordan Kulczyk and center Leinie Hughes signed their letters of intent to play their college basketball at Williston State for the Tetons.

For Herbel, landing the Eastern Montana pair was a weight off her shoulders.

"I'm very excited to have them aboard," she said. "Watching them in action solidified how much they could do for us the next two years."

According to Kulczyk, the pair already has undeniable chemistry. "We've been playing together since fourth grade," she said.

For Hughes, she was more than happy to make the move with her teammate and friend.

"The fact that she wanted to go here and I wanted to go too, I was excited," she said.

Herbel is pleased that the pair come in with that chemistry which has been fostering for nearly a decade.

"It's huge when you can have a couple players that have played together for so long because they understand each other," she said. "It's awesome to already have that going in."

In Kulczyk, Herbel saw a gym rat who is willing to put in the time and effort to succeed.

"She is a hustle player," Herbal said. "She understands what it is she needs to do on the court. She sees the floor very well. She knows when to pull the trigger on a shot and knows when to pass the ball."

With Hughes, her energy and attitude was something Herbel spotted.

"Attitude is a big thing," Herbel said. "She knows how to use angles as a post. She's vocal in a positive way. The way she works on the court is definitely something we can utilize the next two years."

Hughes herself thought her positive attitude and defensive work were attributes the Tetons coaching staff noticed in her game.

Herbel expects each player to make major contributions right away next season.