| Kellie Watson |
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OVERVIEW:
Brings a combination of size and perimeter scoring ability that will open up a new dimension to the Irish offensive arsenal ... exceptional three-point shooter with range well beyond the arc ... all-around threat who has potential to be a superb five-tool player for Notre Dame ... physical presence who can take smaller defenders to the block or drive around taller perimeter guardians ... a confounding matchup problem for opposing defenses ... strong passer who reads defenses well and has good court awareness ... size also will be an important trait in Irish defensive sets, both in presses and half-court situations ... has passion, desire and work ethic to be an important contributor for Notre Dame.
HIGH SCHOOL:
Averaged 19.1 ppg. and 8.1 rpg., during four-year prep career at Ionia High School in Ionia, Mich., playing for coach Andy Barr ... not often seen by recruiting services because Michigan had fall basketball season prior to 2007-08 ... ranked 35th in nation (sixth among small forwards) by Dan Olson Collegiate Girls Basketball Report ... 2008 Michigan Miss Basketball ... 2008 Gatorade State Player of the Year ...2008 Associated Press Class B Co-Player of the Year (with fellow Notre Dame freshman Erica Solomon) ...two-time Lansing State Journal Player of the Year (2007, 2008) ... two-time Lansing State Journal Dream Team (2007, 2008) ... 2008 Detroit News Dream Team ... four-time all-state selection ... four-time all-city choice ... four-time all-conference honoree ... registered 19.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.6 blocks per game during her senior season ... averaged 24.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game as a junior ... played much of final two seasons at less than 100 percent due to shoulder injuries (since repaired) ... owns school record -- boys and girls -- for most career points (1,529), as well as IHS record for most points in a single game (41) ... led state of Michigan in three-point percentage as a freshman (.452) ... standout softball player who set single-season school records for doubles (86) and triples (27) while leading IHS to softball and basketball regional titles (one of only four players at school to play on both teams, the only regional titleists in school history) ... also lauded for her play on the softball diamond, as two-time all-state, three-time all-city and three-time all-conference pick.
PERSONAL DATA:
Born May 1, 1990, in Jackson, Mich. ... older of two children ... parents are Pam and Keith Watson ... pairs with fellow freshman Erica Solomon to give Notre Dame 16 women's basketball players from the state of Michigan in program history (second only to Indiana's 18 players) ... Watson and Solomon are first Michigan natives to join Irish since Ann Arbor resident (and Huron High School graduate) Julie Henderson suited up from 1996-2000 ... enrolled in First Year of Studies program at Notre Dame ... some former Irish players who wore No. 10 include Notre Dame's career assists leader Mary Gavin, Kara Leary and Adrienne Jordan.
