BILLINGS, Mont. – Adding a pair of local recruits for the 2018-19 season, Montana State University Billings women's basketball head coach Kevin Woodin introduced Shannon Reny and Micalann McCrea as the first signings to next year's women's basketball team on Thursday.
 
Reny is a 6-foot forward from Libby, Mont., and McCrea is a 5-foot-6 guard/forward from Ronan, Mont.
 

Currently in her fourth season on the varsity team at Libby High School, Reny is a reigning all-state forward who averaged 16.9 points and 7.0 rebounds per game as a junior last year. Reny is her team's captain and was last year's MVP, and was an all-conference selection in both her freshman and sophomore seasons under head coach Wally Winslow. As a junior she shot 42.0 percent from the field and also averaged 1.9 assists per game.
 
"I am very excited to have Shannon join our women's basketball program," said Woodin, who is also a Libby native. "I like her versatility on the floor, and I feel she will be effective both around the basket and on the perimeter. She has worked very hard to come back from an injury, and I believe she will have a great senior season for Libby. In addition, Shannon is an exceptional student, and I believe she will have an immediate, positive impact on our program."
 
In addition to basketball, where Reny is a three-time academic all-state award winner, she competed in soccer for three seasons as a goalkeeper and on the track and field team for one year competing in the throwing events.
 
"I chose MSUB for the opportunities in terms of education and competition, and the chance to be part of a program so dedicated to both," said Reny. "When I was on my visit, it was like a second home. I felt so comfortable among the players, coaches, and in the classroom. There really wasn't much of a question – it was the right fit. I am extremely excited and grateful to continue my academic and basketball career at MSUB."
 
A versatile combo guard, McCrea is another four-year letterwinner on the hardwood. Under head coach Steve Woll, she is an all-conference and all-

state selection who was tabbed as her team's best defensive player and team captain. McCrea played in a pair of all-star games and also received academic excellence plaudits.
 
"Micalann is a superior student-athlete," Woodin said. "She combines great athleticism and speed with a passion to improve, and I believe she will be a tremendous college basketball player. Micalann has the ability to play multiple guard positions, and truly loves the game of basketball. She, like Shannon, is a tremendous student, and I feel fortunate to have Micalann join our Yellowjacket women's basketball program in the fall of 2018."
 
McCrea has personal-best single-game numbers of 23 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists, and six steals. She has also competed in track and field for the Flying R over the last three seasons under head coach Brian Labbe. "I chose MSUB because it had what I needed and wanted," said McCrea. "All of the facilities were in close range. The coaches and players were very welcoming and made Billings feel like home."
 
MSUB's women's basketball team (2-0) is back in action this weekend in its 2017-18 home regular-season debut. The 'Jackets play Concordia on Friday at 7 p.m. and Chadron State on Saturday at 7 p.m. View a tournament preview online here and a full 2017-18 schedule online here.