Peoria, Ill. - It's been a busy week all across the country, as the NCAA's National Signing Day took place on Wednesday, November 9th. First-year head coach Kate Popovec-Goss welcomes three new players to the Bradley Women's Basketball roster for the 2023-2024 season.
CLAIRE McDOUGALL | 6'0" GUARD/FORWARD | WASHINGTON, ILL. | WASHINGTON HS
Hailing from nearby Washington, McDougall will bring a balanced guard and post presence for the Braves next season. The Washington senior will also bring along consistency, as her career point and rebound totals are nearly identical, sitting at 766 and 760, respectively. McDougall's scoring was at its best when she poured in a career-high 28 points last season.
Head Coach Kate Popovec-Goss on McDougall:
"Claire truly represents what it means to be a student-athlete. She's tremendous in the classroom and is a true hoops junkie. Claire possesses great size and explosion, and can play 1-4 for us offensively. She's a modern day point forward, who loves to rebound and get her teammates involved in transition. I'm so excited about her versatility and motor! She has great pride for Bradley, having grown up just 15 minutes down the road, and comes from a wonderful family. We are so excited that Claire has chosen to stay home and wear the Bradley Red!"
HALLI POOCK | 5'6" POINT GUARD | WATERLOO, IOWA | WEST HS
Scoring over 1,500 points in her prep career, Poock will no doubt serve as a key scoring presence for the Braves. Her average of 22.6 points per game and career high of 37 have all played a part in Waterloo West qualifying for the State Finals in three consecutive seasons. Poock's talents have brought her to the ESPN databases, which give her a scout grade of 91.
Head Coach Kate Popovec-Goss on Poock:
"Halli is a unique talent with a highly competitive spirit. She's a scoring PG with an astonishing basketball IQ, who can take over a game with her playmaking ability. She's cool under pressure, possesses tremendous confidence, and has the strength and quickness to be a great defender. Halli has played on one of the best high school teams in Iowa, a state known for producing prolific offensive talent. She too, is an excellent student, who I believe will excel on the court, in the classroom, and in the community. She has an awesome family who values the Bradley degree and tradition, and I'm thrilled to welcome them all to the Hilltop!"
ARMONI STROZIER | 6'0" FORWARD | FLINT, MICH. | CARMAN-AINSWORTH HS
Strozier comes to Peoria out of the Michigan Storm AAU program, joining current Brave Nika Dorsey. A career average of 13 points and 20 rebounds certainly serves as an eye-popper. While her ability to fight for rebounds will be evident out of the gate, her scoring saw its peak just last season, when Strozier tallied 19 points in a late-January win. Her Carman-Ainsworth program won the district title for 2021-22 as well.
Head Coach Kate Popovec-Goss on Strozier:
"My eyes lit up when I first saw Armoni in AAU! She's got a great frame, unbelievable hands, and a very high motor. Armoni truly has a unique skill set, with her strongest offensive weapon being her vision and passing. As we continue to facilitate offense through the hands of our bigs, I think she will evolve into a versatile playmaker from the high post. She pounds the glass on both ends, and defensively, is very nimble and explosive. Armoni's mom was a collegiate basketball player, and hoops is in her blood. She's got great family support, a strong sense of self, and her best basketball is ahead of her. Moni will enhance our culture on the court and in the community. Her future is bright and we are happy it's going to be at Bradley!"
WHAT'S UP NEXT FOR THE BRAVES
The first season of the Kate Popovec-Goss era officially gets underway when the Braves battle the Missouri Tigers tomorrow night at 7PM in Columbia, Missouri.
