MSU-Northern womens basketball signs JC transfer Taycee Harper

Montana State University-Northern women's basketball coach Chris Mouat has been busy on the recruiting trail. And he announced his second junior college signee in as many weeks.

Mouat announced the signing of Taycee Harper to join the Skylights program next fall. Harper, a 5-foot-6 guard from Paul, Idaho, recently finished her junior college career at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, Idaho. This season, the Eagles finished with a record of 31-3 and made an appearance in the NJCAA Division I Final Four.

Harper initially signed with NCAA Division II Western Colorado, where she rehabilitated from a knee injury which occurred during her senior year of high school. She then played two seasons at Walla Walla Community College and one at The College of Southern Idaho.

"Taycee had a great visit here," said coach Mouat. "She played extremely well and was an instant fit with our players and coaches. She is very good off of the dribble, she has the ability to knock down perimeter shots, and will be an immediate impact player at the defensive end of the floor. She also distributes the ball very well and finds people for open shots."

Harper's high school basketball coach was former Skylight standout and assistant coach Anna Bateman. Playing for Bateman at Minico High School, she was a three-year starter and helped the Spartans to two district titles and two consolation appearances at the state 4A tournament. She was a First Team All-Conference selection as a senior. In addition, Harper had success in soccer, track and field, and swimming. She was a two-time all-conference selection in soccer and a state finalist in track and field as well as swimming.

"Taycee has been well-coached along the way," Mouat continued. "Of course, the connection to coach Bateman went a long way in our recruiting of Taycee. Both of her junior college coaches (Bobbi Hazeltine and Randy Rogers) are incredibly successful and great teachers of the game. We feel very fortunate to bring her on board and are looking forward to her progress in a Skylight uniform."