Baxter signs to play hoops at Carroll College
Apr. 12—The harvest continues for Carroll College.
The latest top-level athlete from the bi-county (Sanders and Mineral) area to put her name to a scholarship offer from the Helena based college is Thompson Falls senior standout Ellie Baxter, who signed a letter of intent to play basketball for the Lady Saints next year.
"I really liked the players and the coaches at Carroll," Baxter said at a recent signing ceremony in T Falls. "They have a good staff and a very competitive program".
Baxter joins Hot Springs' Katelyn Christensen, an all-state guard/forward who signed a track scholarship to Carroll last year, tried out for the basketball team and earned a spot on the roster. She red-shirted this year.
Also last year, the Lady Saints signed Class C javelin state champ Sorren Reese who was a multi-sport player for the Superior Bobcats.
A group of family and friends watched as Baxter, who helped lead the Lady Hawks to a 15-7 season record and a trip to the Western division basketball finals this year, signed the letter under a basketball hoop in the Lady Hawks' gym. Baxter's sister, Megan, who was a high-scoring post player for the Lady Hawks was also present.l
"I'm really excited about going to Carroll", she said. "I think they are a really good fit for me. It's a good program".
The Lady Saints finished this year's schedule with a 26-7 record, including an appearance in the NAIA tournament, where they won their first two games before being eliminated by Dakota State College.
Lady Hawks coach Mike Tessier said he enjoyed coaching Baxter this past year, his first at the helm.
"She is a very hard-worker, very coachable", Tessier said. "And she has displayed outstanding leadership qualities. We have several young players and she was a leader in helping them become better players".
Those thoughts were echoed by long-time volleyball coach Sandra Kazmierczak, who is also an assistant basketball coach.
"She is a very talented player and it has been fun to coach her over the past three years," Kazmierczak said. "She works very hard to be the best player she can".
In addition to being a basketball standout, Baxter has also been a top-notch player for the girls' golf team, finishing fifth in last year's state championships. She has also been an all-conference player in volleyball and cross country, as well as track and field, where she excels in long and middle distance running events.
Last year she competed for the cross country and volleyball teams at the same time, as well as doing double duty in track and golf. She is following the same schedule this year.
"I just like to compete," she said, with a smile when asked how she manages to compete in two sports at once.
Baxter said she plans to pursue an education in physical therapy while at Carroll.
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