Skylights sign Northwest College transfer

Montana State University-Northern head coach Chris Mouat has added to his 2016 recruiting class.

Last week, Mouat announced the signing of Northwest College standout Kealani Sagapolu. Sagapolu, a 5-10 forward, was a two-year starter and an NJCAA All-Region IX selection this season.

In 2015, Sagapolu was named to the Region IX All-Defensive Team as well as the Region IX All-Tournament team. This year, she averaged 14.7 points and 11.6 rebounds per game, and led Region IX in both rebounding and field goal percentage — 53 percent. Sagapolu recorded 17 double-double performances this season.

"Kealani will give us added depth and experience inside," Mouat said. "She has a great nose for the ball and understands how to be successful against much bigger players. Kealani is very savvy around the rim and uses both hands very well. She was very successful at Northwest College, and we are excited about her future in a Skylight uniform."

This season, Sagapolu had single-game highs of 30 points — twice — and 22 rebounds.

"Kealani averaged five offensive rebounds a game and shot a great percentage from the field. She is very efficient," Mouat said.

Sagapolu is a native of Plain City, Utah. She played high school basketball at Fremont High School, where she helped lead the Silver Wolves to a 2014 State 5A title. As a senior, she was a 5A All-State honorable mention selection. Kealani is the daughter of Norma and Darin Sagapolu.