Recent Redmond High graduate Alicia Valentine, a peppy point guard for the Mustangs last winter, recently signed to play basketball at Northwest College (NWC) in Wyoming under the program’s new head coach, Janis Beal.

Beal was first told about Valentine by Brent Hermanson, a former coach at Redmond, and she liked what she saw in the 5-foot-4 guard.

“She handles the ball very well and will be an asset at the point guard position,” said Beal, who was two-time All-American at NWC in 2001-03, averaging 19.8 points per game, before transferring to D-I Southern Utah. “She is a true point guard who likes to get her teammates involved.”

Valentine, who has been playing basketball since the first grade, is excited about the opportunity to play under Beal at the next level.

“I think its going to be a great experience to play under Janis’ coaching,” Valentine said. “With her coaching style, she really emphasizes pushing the ball which gives me the opportunity to pass it up the floor and give my teammates chances at easy transition buckets. It’s a good fit for me, I can’t wait to start the season playing for her.”

Valentine said she eventually hopes to be able to transfer to a four-year school and major in health and fitness, but wants to try and refine her basketball skills during her time at NWC. She said that she is thrilled about her new team and embarking on a different experience.

“I’m embracing it with an open mind and I couldn’t be more excited for this change in my life,” Valentine said. “I honestly think it will be a great couple of years.”

The program at NWC, a two-year school in the National Junior College Athletic Association, is undergoing a huge transition with a new coach and only three returners, and Beal thinks that Valentine will fit perfectly into her vision for the new team.

“Every position is up for grabs and we will have some freshmen step up and contribute right away (in) a very competitive environment” Beal noted. “I’m excited Alicia decided to come to Northwest. She seems like she is very coachable and wants to work hard. We need a point guard that sees the floor well and can handle pressure. I think Alicia can do just that.”