Valparaiso University head coach Keith Freeman has announced that four Indiana players have signed National Letters of Intent to play basketball for the Crusaders beginning in the 2010-2011 season.  Joining the Valpo program are Maegan Callaway, Tabitha Gerardot, Liz Horton, and Stefanie Lang.

“As we graduate four players this season that have all played the three, four, and five-spot for us, I think this class is more than capable of providing us stability in the front line,” Freeman said of the signees.  “All four have the ability to shoot the three as well as score inside.”

Callaway, a 6’0” center from Mooresville High School in Mooresville, Ind. set a school record scoring 450 points as a junior while leading the Pioneers to a 23-2 record.  She is a two-time All-Mid State Conference team selection and was named to the ICGSA All-State Team as a junior.  Callaway was also an Indiana Junior All-Star as well as a Hoosier Basketball Magazine All-State pick a year ago.  She was invited to the IBCA-IHSAA Top-100 Showcase.

“Maegan is part of a very successful high school program,” commented Freeman.  “She has a knack for scoring.  She also has the ability to pass the basketball.”

Gerardot, a 6’0” forward from Canterbury High School in Fort Wayne, Ind. has led the Cavaliers to back-to-back state championships.  The MVP of the 2008 state finals, she owns the state finals record for rebounds in a game, grabbing 17 each of the last two years.  A First Team IBCA All-State selection as a junior, Gerardot is the school’s all-time leading rebounder with 844, as well as the team’s career field goal percentage leader, shooting 53% from the floor.  The leading scorer for the Indiana Junior All-Stars this summer, she has led Canterbury to a 66-12 record over her first three years.

“Tabitha comes from a great program winning back-to-back state titles,” Freeman said.  “We love her versatility, work ethic, and cerebralness.”

Horton, a 6’1” forward, comes to Valpo from Barr-Reeve High School in Cannelburg, Ind.  Averaging 16.9 points per game as a junior, she was a First Team All-State selection by Hoosier Basketball Magazine while earning Honorable Mention Underclassman All-State accolades by the ICGSA and IBCA as well as the Associated Press.  Horton shot 52.3% from the floor a year ago, including 40% from three-point range, while grabbing nearly six rebounds per contest.    She is also a two-time Washington Times-Herald Player of the Year.

“Liz is a very good shooter and passer,” Freeman stated.  “She has the versatility of playing both inside as well as outside.”

Lang, a 6’4” center is a local product from Valparaiso High School in Valparaiso, Ind.  She averaged 13.6 points and 9.7 rebounds per game for the Vikings a year ago and was a Second Team All-Area selection by the Northwest Indiana Times.  She was also a member of the Indiana Junior All-Stars this past summer.

“Stefanie has a huge upside,” Freeman said.  “She has great hands, shooting touch, and enthusiasm to play basketball.  We are excited when we can sign one of the best local players in the area.  She will join several previously successful Valpo High School players to come play for the Crusaders including Jeanette Gray and Sarrah Stricklett.”