April 27, 2006
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Cal State Bakersfield women's basketball Head Coach Tim La Kose announced his first two signings for the 2006?07 basketball season this week: Kelly Blair a freshman from Morro Bay High School and Tonesha Jackson, a junior transfer from Merced College.
“We're excited to have both Tonesha and Kelly on board,“ says La Kose. “They are both talented players who come from successful programs. We expect big things from both of them as they step up to play at this level.”
Jackson, a 5?6 guard, averaged 8.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.8 steals per game while leading the Blue Devils of Merced College to the Central Valley Conference title. Although her statistics were not eye?popping, opposing coaches thought so much of her play that they named her conference MVP and first team all?state.
“Tonesha really impressed us with her defense,” says La Kose. “She also likes to push the ball up the floor, which matches our style of play, so she has the potential to make an immediate impact.”
Blair, a 6?0 post player, is the daughter of Cuesta College men's basketball Head Coach Rusty Blair (who, coincidentally, coached CSUB men's Assistant Coach Brian Dignanat Cuesta). She led Morro Bay to a 20?5 record and the second round of the CIF Playoffs in 2006 while earning first team All?CIF honors.
Blair averaged 18 points and 12 rebounds per game this season, with high games of 31 points and 21 rebounds. Blair is also an outstanding three?point shooter who has made as many as six three's in a single game.
Bakersfield returns nine players and two redshirts in 2006?07 The Roadrunners lose just three players from last season's team that finished 24?5 and advanced to the NCAA Division II regional semifinals.
MOVING ON UP: The Cal State Bakersfield athletics program is in its exploratory year in preparation for a move to the NCAA Division I level. The University is expected to formally announce its move to the Division I level prior to June 1.
The move to the NCAA Division I level is a four?year process. If all moves according to plan, year one of transition will begin June 1, 2006. CSUB will become a full NCAA Division I member on June 1, 2010.
ANOTHER GREAT SEASON: The Roadrunners enjoyed another great season of women's basketball in 2005?06. They won 24 games, the second most in school history, while advancing to the NCAA Tournament for the sixth consecutive season.
Ranked in the top 25 throughout the season, Bakersfield finished No. 14 in the final ESPN/USA Today Regular season poll.
HEAD COACH TIM LA KOSE: Tim La Kose took the reins of the Roadrunner women's program in 2002 and has led the team to two CCAA titles (2003, '04), the 2003 NCAA West Region title and a gaudy 113?24 record (.825). He began his career at Cal Lutheran University where he led the Regals to a 136?67 record and five NCAA Division III Tournament bids.
ROADRUNNER BASKETBALL: A Championship Tradition
The 2005?2006 season marked the sixth anniversary of Roadrunner women's basketball. The 'Runners have won an incredible 139 games against just 33 losses (.808).
More than just winning games, 'Runner basketball is about winning championships. Bakersfield has two CCAA titles and one NCAA West Region title. The 'Runners are the only team in NCAA history?men's or women's at any level?to reach the NCAA Tourney every season of their existence.
California State University, Bakersfield Athletic Department
9001 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield, CA 93311-1022
Phone: (661) 654-3071 ? FAX: (661) 654-2376
