June 12, 2017-Emporia State women's basketball coach Jory Collins has announced the signing of three transfers that will attend Emporia State and play basketball for the Lady Hornets. Emily Miller, Daley Handy and Tyra Jones will join Kali Martin and Madison Ralston as newcomers on the Lady Hornets in 2017-18.
"I think the thing that stands out about this late signing class is the versatility and skill level. All three of them can play multiple positions and take advantage of some matchups in a lot of situations," said Collins. "Their feel for the game is great, they all understand when to make a pass, who's open and why, when to score, and just have the ability to make those they play with better."
Emily Miller – 5'10 Guard
Columbia, Mo. • Hickman HS/Drury
Miller was the all-time leading scorer at Hickman HS in Columbia with 1,816 points. She averaged 21 points, shot 52% from the floor, 85% from the free throw line and pulled down 4.4 rebounds per game her senior season. She was a three-time All-State selection in Class 5 and an Academic All-State selection. She helped Hickman to a 24-2 record her junior season and a 23-3 record her senior campaign. She was a member of the National Honor Society and a Presidential Scholar in high school. She averaged 5.5 points on .607 shooting from the field with 2.9 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game in 18 contests with Drury.
Collins on Miller:
"Emily transferred to us at semester this year and has already been a part of our program for six months. She's a left handed scorer that can score at all three levels. She has some awkward lefty game that is hard to guard to go along with good size, athleticism, and feel for the game. She fits our teams culture and competitiveness perfectly. She was injured early in her career as a freshman, and I think she is excited to finally get her college career established with us.
Daley Handy – 6'0 Guard / Forward
Wichita, Kan. • Maize HS/University of Wyoming
Handy was a three-time All-League selection, while being named First Team All-State and Honorable Mention All-State during her career at Maize HS. She was named All-Metro, Co-League MVP and played in the KBCA All-Star Game. She helped her team to a 24-1 overall record and a State Runner-Up finish as a senior. as a junior, she averaged ten points, 5.2 rebounds and four assists. She helped her team to four league and Sub-State championships while the team finished second in the state in 2014, third in 2012 and fourth in 2013. She was an All-League and All-State selection in track and field for Maize and was named an All-American by USA Track and Field in the heptathlon. Handy was a member of the National Honor Society. She played in ten games for Wyoming last year after sitting out her freshman season with a knee injury.
Collins on Handy:
"Daley transferred to us from the University of Wyoming. We were familiar with each from her high school days at Maize High School. She's a coach's kid playing for her dad, Jerrod Handy, who is a very successful high school coach. Daley has the versatility to really play any position, and has very good basketball IQ and feel for the game. She elevates the play of those around her, she's just a basketball player. She also was injured early in her college career and is looking for a fresh start."
Tyra Jones – 6'0 Guard / Forward
Detroit, Mich. • Cody HS/Labette CC
Jones averaged 17.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game to go along with 2.1 assists as she earned First-Team NJCAA Division II All-American honors. She averaged 25 points, 12 rebounds and 4.5 assists senior season at Cody HS in Detroit. She was a Detroit News All-Area and USA Today All-Detroit Prep Girls Basketball Honorable Mention honoree. She led Cody HS to Detroit Public School League semifinals and scored 28 points and grabbed 23 rebounds in DPSL preliminary game. She also played at Cass Tech, leading them to a 16-1 season and a berth in the DPSL's championship game as a junior. She played in 15 games for Duquesne as a freshman.
Collins on Jones:
"Tyra is a an excellent athlete and scorer with very good length and size. She also has the versatility to play just about anywhere on the floor. She played everywhere from point guard to the 4 at Labette. Coach Rolls used her in a variety of ways and we plan on doing the same. She's a very good breakdown penetrator with the ability to finish at a high level but also make plays for others. She has great vision and will be able to create a lot of opportunities for herself and her teammates. We're expecting Tyra to bring an elevated level of energy, toughness, and athleticism to our program."
The Lady Hornets went 29-5 last season, won their fifth straight MIAA Tournament Championship and played in the NCAA Division II Sweet 16 for the sixth straight year. Emporia State finished the year ranked #8 in the WBCA National Poll and have been ranked in the top ten of the ESPN/USA Today/WBCA Coaches Poll 191 times, the most of any NCAA Division II school.
"The other thing I'm most excited about is this is a fresh start for all three," said Collins. "They're excited to be Lady Hornets, and motivated to join our returners and compete for Championships."
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