VALLEY CITY, N.D. (VCSUVikings.com)- Valley City State University women’s basketball coach Vanessa Keeler-Johnson has announced the addition of five student-athletes for the 2018-19 season.

The group includes two transfers, two incoming freshmen and one student-athlete already on campus. All have signed letters of intent to continue their education at VCSU and play basketball for the Vikings. They will join a group of 10 returning players from last year’s squad that posted a 25-5 record and advanced to the NAIA National Tournament.

“We are very excited about this group’s potential,” said Keeler-Johnson. “We have a good mix of true freshmen and players with experience at the next level. This group has proven to be successful on and off the court, and Viking fans will enjoy watching them over the next few years.”

The Vikings are coming off a school-record 25 wins last season in Keeler-Johnson’s first year as head coach. VCSU won the NSAA Tournament Championship for the first time and advanced to the NAIA National Tournament for the second straight season.

Valley City State University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and a conference member of the North Star Athletic Association.

 

VCSU Women’s Basketball 2018-19 Roster Additions

Emily Schafer – Junior – 5’9″ Guard – Lake Region State College – Devils Lake, N.D.
A native of Devils Lake, N.D., Schafer joins the Vikings after two successful seasons at her hometown Lake Region State College. Schafer was a two-time selection for All-Conference, All-Region and All-Academic during her career at Lake Region.

As a sophomore at Lake Region, Schafer averaged 13.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. She helped the Royals to a 20-12 overall record and an appearance in the Region XIII championship game. The Royals were 38-24 during Schafer’s two seasons.

“Emily’s collegiate experience at Lake Region and her ability to score will make her a true contributor from the start,” said Keeler-Johnson. “She knows what it takes to be successful at the collegiate level.”

Emily is the daughter of Mark and Debra Schafer and plans to study math education at VCSU.

 

Dierra Diegel – Senior – 5’10” Forward – MSU-Moorhead – Valley City, N.D.
Valley City native Dierra Diegel has signed to join the Vikings for her senior season this year. After previously playing at Northern State University and most recently MSU-Moorhead, Diegel is transferring to VCSU with one year of eligibility remaining.

Diegel averaged 20 points and 4.5 steals per game during her senior season at Valley City High School, earning All-EDC and All-State honors. At the collegiate level, she has been part of three NSIC regular season championship teams.

“Dierra brings four years of experience under two of the best coaches in the NSIC,” said Keeler-Johnson. “She has the ability to shoot the ball at a high level and will boost our post presence.”

Dierra is the daughter of Paul and Tanya Diegel. She plans to study sociology human services at VCSU.

 

Peyton Halverson – Sophomore – 5’6″ Guard – VCSU/North Star Public School – Cando, N.D.
Cando native Peyton Halverson will become a two-sport athlete at VCSU after joining the women’s basketball program. As a freshman at VCSU last season she competed in track and field, and set a new school record in the women’s indoor pentathlon.

Halverson was a standout basketball player for North Star during her high school career, helping the team to third-place and second-place finishes at the Class B State Tournament in 2016 and 2017. During her senior season of high school Halverson averaged 9.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.0 steals per game, helping North Star to a 26-1 overall record. She was named to the Class B State All-Tournament Team and played in the Lions All-Star Game.

“Peyton joins our program after doing track and field for a year, and we are excited to have her,” said Keeler-Johnson. “She comes from a well-established high school program where she was the starting point guard. She is able to play both guard positions and will be a key defender for us.”

Peyton is the daughter of Rod and Jamie Halverson. She is currently studying health science at VCSU.

 

Alexis Bentz – Freshman – 5’10” Forward – Grant County High School – Elgin, N.D.
Class B state champion Alexis Bentz will continue her basketball career at VCSU after signing a letter of intent to join the Vikings this fall. The 5-foot-10 Bentz helped Grant County to the Class B State Championship this past season.

As a senior at Grant County, Bentz was named 2nd Team All-State along with being named to the Class B State All-Tournament Team. She was a four-time All-District selection and a three-time All-Region selection during her high school career.

“Lexi has a great basketball IQ,” said Keeler-Johnson. “She has the ability to make big plays in big moments and can play a variety of positions. Her versatility and ability to lead makes her a great fit for our program.”

Alexis is the daughter of Terry and Nicole Bentz. She plans to study health science at VCSU.

 

Kayla Donais – Freshman – 5’6″ Guard – Big Lake High School – Big Lake, Minn. 
Big Lake High School (Minn.) graduate Kayla Donais has signed a letter of intent to continue her education and basketball career at VCSU. The 5-foot-6 shooting guard helped Big Lake – a Minnesota AAA school – to a 13-13 overall record during her senior season in 2018.

Donais was named Team Captain and earned Honorable Mention All-Conference honors.

“Kayla is a true point guard that can create for others and herself,” said Keeler-Johnson. “She is a tenacious defender that will be fun to watch over the next four years.”

Kayla is the daughter of Keith and Becky Donais. She is currently undecided on her college major.