Lights add three to hoops recruiting class

Montana State University-Northern head men’s basketball coach Shawn Huse has added three new prospects to his 2017 recruiting class.

Huse recently announced the signings of Anthony Harper of Green River Community College, James Fry of Stevensville High School and Caulin Bakalarski of Walla Walla Community College to NAIA national letters of intent.

Harper is a 6-5 forward, who was a 2017 NWAC All-Star at Green River last season. He averaged 10 points and eight rebounds per game.

“Anthony is an extremely hard working, athletic, versatile, all-around forward on both ends of the court … and a very good person, great teammate and diligent student,” Huse said. “He chose to stay and finish his schooling last year, after completing his basketball eligibility, which speaks to his character and commitment to his education. We are excited about him as he is another guy that is hungry and excited about being here at Northern and being a Light.”

Bakalarski, a 6-3 shooting guard comes to MSU-N fresh off helping his Walla Walla squad to the NWAC championship this season. He is originially from Port Orchard, Washington. He was named First-Team MWAC East Region, while averaging 20.7 ppg, as well as 7.1 rebounds per night. He also shot 40 percent from the 3-point-line.

“Caulin is an exceptional all-around basketball player, a solid student, and a steady teammate,” Huse said. “He was a huge key to his team’s success and his high school team’s success as well. We are ecstatic he chose to be a Light and the thought of him playing with our other guards and group we have, in the future years. Caulin fills the stat line, and does so in an unselfish way. He shoots high percentages and makes solid, efficient decisions on the court. He can play at the wing and handle point guard duties as well. He has a great nose for the ball and knows what it takes to win.”

Fry, a 6-4 guard from Stevensville was 2016-17 All-Conference (Southwest A), and a four year Academic All-State performer. He averaged 15 points and seven rebounds per game for the Yellowjackets. He also led the Southwest A in rushing in football his junior year.

"James is another guy who has shown great interest and enthusiasm about MSU-Northern, and we love that about him,” Huse said. “He is a great kid, has earned a remarkable GPA, and is an accomplished player on the court. He has been a very versatile player, doing very well at the one, two and three positions. We look forward to having him on board next year and seeing what he can do at this level.”