OMAHA, Neb. - Head coach
Brittany Lange announced Wednesday that Josie Filer and Mariah Murdie have signed National Letters of Intent to join the Omaha women's basketball program in 2018-19.
"We are thrilled to be welcoming Josie and Mariah to our program," Lange said. "Both of them are tremendous people, teammates, athletes and defenders. I am excited about the potential and added firepower they will contribute to our team. The ceiling is very high for Josie and Mariah, and their enthusiasm about being Mavericks is unmatched!"
JOSIE FILER
F, 6-0, Des Moines, Iowa (Dowling Catholic)
Filer, a native of Des Moines, Iowa, has been a three-year letter winner for coach Kristen Meyer at Dowling Catholic High School. As a junior last season, she averaged 12.3 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game while helping her team to a 19-5 record and a state tournament appearance. Filer took home first team all-conference and all-region plaudits last season. She also set a Maroons' school-record with 25 rebounds in a game.
"Josie is a strong player that is committed to the defensive end of the court," Lange said. "She will fit in nicely to the faster style we want to continue to play. Josie is a force on the boards, and we believe in her growth and skill set on both ends. She comes from a strong tradition of basketball in high school and her club experience."
MARIAH MURDIE
C, 6-3, Meriden, Kan. (Jefferson West)
Murdie, a native of Meriden, Kan., has been a three-year letterwinner and starter for coach John Malloy at Jefferson West High School. As a junior, she averaged 10.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 3.2 blocks per game while helping her team to a 20-5 record, a league title and a second-place finish at state. Murdie earned First Team All-State accolades. In her sophomore season, she was All-State Honorable Mention while averaging 11.0 points, 8.4 rebounds and 3.9 blocks per contest.
Murdie also is a four-time letterwinner in volleyball and has earned three letters in track. She was an All-State performer in volleyball as a junior and placed third in the long jump in the state meet as a sophomore.
"Mariah has a unique skill set that we can't wait to work with," Lange said. "Her length, athleticism and IQ is a combination we believe will be an impact on the defensive end immediately."
The Mavericks open the 2017-18 season Friday, Nov. 10 against Bradley. Tipoff in Peoria, Ill., is slated for 7 p.m.
