May 8, 2008

By R.B. HEADLEY Fort Morgan Times

A really good basketball game could have broken out in Fort Morgan High School's library Thursday with all the Schneider family and friends who were present to witness one special event.

Mustang senior Kadie Schneider officially signed to play basketball for the South-Sub Regional champion Northeastern Junior College Plainswomen.

All of the support from her parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, six siblings and Fort Morgan coach Harrison Chisum has clearly impressed NJC head coach Darrell Parker.

"She (Kadie) comes from a really good program and a good foundation," he said. "And she has the ingredients to make an impact for us right away. She's got good height, good fundamentals and the foot speed is there. Plus she has a good outside shot -- which is something every team needs."

The four-sport athlete (basketball, track, volleyball, softball) hit double figures several times during 2007-08 and earned all-Northern Conference honors. Perhaps Kadie's best clutch performance was 19 points in a 52-49 upset of 4A Top 10-ranked Berthoud on Jan. 22.

Along with five fiery senior teammates, she led Fort Morgan to the 4A state basketball tournament. The FM girls built several leads of 10 points or more before host and high seed D'Evelyn rallied for a first-round state victory.

Yet Kadie's postseason experiences are likely only beginning. NJC has gone 25-7 and won Sub-South regional titles the last two seasons.

"Now we're looking to take that step and reach the national tournament," Parker concluded. "And we're expecting all our players coming in to be a big part of that."