Young signs with South Dakota State

Mitchell senior Kerri Young officially is a Jackrabbit.

Wednesday, the Kernels’ standout, who helped the team to a Class AA state championship last year, signed her national letter of intent to play for Aaron Johnston and the South Dakota State University women’s basketball team.

Young, a 6-foot forward, has been verbally committed to play for SDSU since the summer before her junior year, but Wednesday was the first day she could sign officially.

“She’s the kind of person and player you always want in your program,” said Johnston, who’s led the Jackrabbits to the NCAA national tournament for four straight years. “As a player, she’s so complete, and I’ve always thought of her as such a smart player.”

Johnston said the recruiting process with Young started when she was a freshman. After Young graduates from Mitchell High School in the spring, she will start working with SDSU’s program in the summer.

Johnston said he expects Young to contribute to the team immediately next year. With the graduation of Ashley Eide after this season, the Jackrabbits will be in need of a wing player, Johnston said.

“We’d be disappointed if Kerri isn’t helping us next year,” he said. “She has that kind of ability.

“My challenge as a coach will be trying to get her to compete at a new level.”

Young is a three-time all-state selection, earning first-team honors as a sophomore and a junior. Last year, she averaged 19.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game.

Mitchell junior guard Macy Miller also plans to play for SDSU. Miller verbally committed to the university over the summer and can officially sign in November 2013.

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