By Rob Everingham
The MSU-Northern Skylights have inked another high school standout.
Head womens' basketball coach Ray Peters announced Wednesday he has signed Jenny Balgua of Billings Senior to play for Northern next year.
"She's a great kid and makes people around her better," Peters said. "People like to play with Jenny."
Balgua is a four-year, three-sport letterwinner.
In basketball she was a three year varsity starter. During her junior year she was named an all-conference honorable mention.
During her senior year, Balgua was first team All-State, first team all-conference and a team captain, averaging 11.5 points per game.
Balgua was also a three year varsity starter in volleyball where she is currently a team captain and was named first team all-state and first team all-conference her junior year.
In softball, Balgua was a four year varsity starter, an All-Region Honorable Mention, as well as the most valuable player.
Balgua was also an Academic All-State Recipient with a GPA of 3.54.
Other awards include being a High School Heisman Nominee as well as receiving an NBA/WNBA Sportsmanship Award.
Balgua is a member of the National Honor Society and was an Exchange Club "Student of the Month."
She is also featured on trading cards.
Peters said Balgua is just a great athlete and has shown great intensity throughout her high school career.
Peters said she is always ready to play, game in and game out. Balgua also brings that intensity into practice.
While Balgua did not post big offensive numbers in high school, with her strength and speed she will only get better, Peters said.
"She'll become a big time scorer on the college level in my program," Peters said.
Peters said they are excited to have her for four years. Even though Balgua comes into a position that already has strong players in it, Peters said, she should contend for a starting job right off the bat.
"She's a true competitor who shows great passion for her sport and a classy, classy individual," Peters said.
