Skylights sign Sunburst standout Kleinert

Montana State University-Northern women's basketball coach Mike Erickson has signed his eighth recruit for the upcoming season. Sunburst standout forward/center Carly Kleinert is the latest player to commit to play for the Skylights.

Kleinert was possibly one of the most dominant girls athletes in Northcentral Montana. She averaged 20 points, eight rebounds and two block shots a game this season for the Refiners in leading them to the Northern C Divisional.

At 6-2, Kleinert will bring some added size to the Skylights, who have also added 6-4 center Ashley Trulock of Troy, 6-1 forward Katrina Ferris of Eureka and 5-11 forward Heather Riener of Superior.

"Carly's size and quickness will be factors in her success at Northern," Erickson said. "She will be utilized in the post and small forward positions."

Kleinert's resume of high school accolades is lengthy and includes two years as a first team all-conference performer as well as all-state honors this season as well as a three-time team MVP.

She is also an outstanding volleyball player and earned first team all-conference honors since her sophomore year and an all-state honors this season.

"Once she adjusts to the physical aspect of the game, she will be a positive ingredient to the Skylight program," Erickson said.

Kleinert is also a solid student earning academic all-state honors the past two years. She is the daughter of Karl and Judy Kleinert of Sunburst.