Just weeks after the end to the most historic run in program history, the Ball State University women's basketball team signed two recruits for the upcoming season.
According to a press release, coach Kelly Packard announced the signing of guard Ty'Ronda Benning and guard/forward Mercedes Miller Thursday. Benning and Miller join two other incoming recruits Chloe Barnes and Shanee' Jackson, as well as mid-season transfer Ebony Jackson from Indiana University.
"We are excited to announce the addition of Ty'Ronda Benning and Mercedes Miller to our Ball State University women's basketball program," Packard said in the press release. "Both Ty'Ronda and Mercedes are very gifted basketball players, and we believe they possess the competitive drive and focus that are requirements for our program to build upon the incredible success of this season."
Benning is a Muncie native, playing her high school basketball at Muncie Southside High School. After two years at Lincoln Trail College in Illinois, Benning returns home to play for Packard and the Cardinals.
"Ty'Ronda brings necessary experience and leadership to our perimeter game," Packard said in the release. "With the graduation of both Kiley Jarrett and Porchia Green, the stability at our guard position will be crucial as we approach the 2009-2010 season. Ty'Ronda understands the importance of leadership and the position of 'floor general,' and her style of play compliments our up tempo offensive system."
While at Lincoln Trail College, the 5-foot-6 Benning averaged 18.6 points per game. She also averaged 5.4 rebounds and three assists per game. Benning was named the Region 24 Player of the Year. She is the first Muncie native to play for the women's basketball program since Christy Jones in 1999-2000. Jones played at Muncie Central High School.
Miller, a 5-foot-9 guard/forward, averaged 17.4 points and 8.5 rebounds per game as a senior at Wayne High School in Ohio.
"Mercedes brings versatility to our program," Packard said in the release. "Our staff will be challenged to creatively decide where to most effectively position Mercedes on the floor to allow for her highest level of contribution. She possesses a strong combination of both guard and post skills with the ability to create off the dribble, yet her strength and experience have developed confidence in the paint as well."
Miller won numerous awards and accolades during her high school career. Mercedes was named to the 2009 First Team All Greater Western Ohio Conference, the District 15 All-Star Team, Second Team Dayton Daily News All Greater-Dayton Area, First Team Dabbelt Report All Dayton Area and honorable mention All Southwest District Team.
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