Dec. 15, 2008

BEAUMONT - Danielle Heithoff, a 6-2 power forward from Bullard High School in Bullard, Texas has picked Lamar University as her choice to continue her basketball career announced head coach Larry Tidwell.

Heithoff, currently averaging more than 20 points, 11.5 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game, has led her Bullard HS team to a 11-3 early season mark and a No. 2 state ranking in Class 3A. Heithoff plays for Coach Greg Gay and the versatile power forward is flourishing under his system.

"Danielle is going to be ready to play at the Division 1 level next year," said Tidwell. "Greg is preparing her on both ends of the court. Evidence of this comes from the fact that she is averaging almost eight points and five rebounds more per game than last year and that comes from hard work, something that the Bullard program is known for."

Last season's accolades came in the form of District MVP honors, All East Texas Newcomer of the Year, and TABC & TGCA All Region selections with more honors certainly to come this year as she is putting together an outstanding season.

"Danielle is a very versatile player," added Tidwell. "She plays strong in the paint, blocks shots, and goes hard to the boards. She also has excellent touch on outside shots and can handle the ball in breaking a press. She's used to winning and that is very, very important."

Heithoff moved to Bullard last season from Minnesota where she played for a very successful high school program, Century High School. In the summer, she played for the highly ranked Minnesota Thunder AAU program.

Dan Olson's National Girl's Basketball Scouting Report has Heithoff rated in the Top 300 with a very high mark at the power forward position.

"Dani is another one of our recruits that chooses to improve her game year round", emphasized Tidwell "That shows that she is intent on being a very successful college player."

With Heithoff's signing, the Lady Cardinals have inked three high school stars in the 2009 recruiting class. Heithoff joins Jasmin Henderson of Sugar Land Dulles High School and Taylor Hays of Aledo High School, in a recruiting class that is looking to add an inside player to the roster in the near future.