Sheryl Bitter becomes a Bengal

SHELLEY  -  Sheryl Bitter, a three year starter and senior leader of the Shelley High School Lady Russet basketball team, made it official Wednesday morning as she signed a national letter of intent to attend Idaho State University.

READER OPINION: What do you think about Sheryl’s commitment to ISU and how will she fare?
Bitter,  heavily recruited by Idaho State since February,  officially committed to the Division one program when she signed on the dotted line.
“Sheryl is a true point guard and leader. She is a high energy player with the ability to dribble, pass, shoot, and defend,” said Idaho State University head coach Seton Sobolewski.  “In my opinion, I did not see many point guards on the west coast this summer who were as complete a player as Sheryl.”
“This is a culmination of a dream, playing basketball on the next level and doing so where my friends and family will be able to watch me,” said Bitter.  “I am looking forward to taking my game to the next level and hopefully I will be successful there.”
Bitter has already been a three year starter in three different sports at Shelley High School, and has been on one state championship team in basketball and three state championship teams in golf, but basketball is her first love.
“Athletes like Sheryl only come around once in a while,”  said Shelley Athletic Director Dave Hadley.  “We have been very fortunate to have had the chance to watch her grow as an individual and into the player that she is today.
We know that she will be able to contribute to a growing program at Idaho State.”
“Sheryl has been a dream to coach for the past three years and we look forward to a big senior year from her this season as well,” said Shelley head coach Burke Davis.
“She is a great leader on the floor and makes the other players better.  It is like having a player-coach on the floor when she plays.”
Bitter has averaged nearly twelve points and five assists for her career and will look to build on those stats when the Lady Russets begin play.
“Once I saw a game at ISU,  I knew that I could play with those girls and I look forward to the challenge of Division 1 basketball,”  said Bitter.  “I still want to finish some business here at Shelley with a District and State title this year.”
Shelley will begin that season long quest with a home contest against the Idaho Falls Lady Tigers on Saturday, November 14,  with first tip scheduled for 7:30 P.M.

Story by Fred Davis