ST. JOSEPH – First year Missouri Western head women’s basketball coach Candi Whitaker has announced the signings of three junior college transfers for the 2019-20 season.
This round of signees will join Logan Hughes as new Griffons next season. The signing class will give the Griffons added size, with all four standing at least 5-10.
“All three signees bring size and experience to our team at the forward and post positions,” Whitaker said. “They are also strong students and great people.”
Corbyn Cunningham
6-0 | Albuquerque, N.M. | Howard (TX)
Cunningham was named to the Western Junior College Athletic Conference All-Conference team last year. She averaged 16.4 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, scoring in double figures in 26 of 29 games as a sophomore at Howard. Cunningham played 22.1 minutes per game and also averaged 1.7 assists per game her sophomore season. In her first season at Howard, Cunningham started 30 games and averaged 12.8 points and nine rebounds per game.
Whitaker on Cunningham: “Corbyn Cunningham is a terrific face-up player that can attack off the bounce from the high and low post. She is active on the glass and will impact us on the boards.”
Cunningham on MWSU: “I chose Missouri Western because I really like Coach Whitaker. She has great energy and experience. I like the size and feel of the campus as well as the support from the community.”
Miranda Stephens
6-1 | Willard, Ohio | Hill College
As a freshman at Hill, Stephens started 26 of 31 games, averaging 11.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. She shot 33.5 percent from three-point range, making 64 threes in 31 games. In her sophomore season at Hill, she averaged 6.7 points and three rebounds per game, shooting 37 percent from three point range with 47 made three pointers in 23 games. Stephens was twice named NJCAA Player of the Week and was an Academic All-Conference selection both years at Hill.
Whitaker on Stephens: “Miranda Stephens brings great versatility being able to play the 3, 4 and 5. She is a terrific three-point shooter, but also can use her size to score and defend in the post.”
Stephens on MWSU: “I chose Missouri Western because right away I felt so comfortable. Everything was a perfect fit for me, the academics, athletics, facilities and how personable the coaches and everyone I met was. It made Missouri Western feel like a second home for me right away. I can’t wait to be a Griffon!”
Kyra Hogan
6-1 | Louisville, Ky. | Wabash Valley College
Hogan averaged 4.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per game last season as a sophomore at Wabash Valley College in Mount Carmel, Ill. She shot 48 percent from the field and scored a season-high 16 points against Southwestern Illinois College on 7-of-9 shooting. As a freshman, Hogan shot 50 percent from the field and averaged 3.8 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. Hogan attended Louisville Male, one of the top high school programs in the nation where she averaged 11 points and six rebounds as a senior.
Whitaker on Hogan: “Kyra Hogan is a strong post player with soft hands. I love that Kyra knows how to use her size and strength inside, but has the skill set to step out and shoot the three.”
Hogan on MWSU: “I am thankful and beyond excited for the opportunity to continue my education and this basketball journey at Missouri Western. From the moment I stepped on campus and spent time with Coach Whitaker and the team, I felt at home. I am so ready to work hard and grow.”
Whitaker was named Missouri Western’s ninth head women’s basketball coach in April. The former Texas Tech and UMKC head coach took over a program that went 14-16 last season, advancing to the MIAA Championship quarterfinals for the sixth time in the past seven seasons.
— MWSU Athletics —