DOUGHTERTY SIGNS WITH COLUMBIA COLLEGE

Katie Dougherty, a 6-foot-1 senior forward at Cape Girardeau Central High School, signed a letter of intent Friday to play basketball at Columbia College next year.

Dougherty averages about 12 points a game for the Lady Tigers and can play all five positions.

Columbia College, an NAIA school located in Columbia, Mo., is starting up a new program to begin next season. The school had women's basketball some time ago but discontinued it.

"Katie is our first signee," said Columbia College coach Mike Davis, who spent the last 13 seasons at Central Methodist, another NAIA program.

Davis has high hopes for Dougherty.

"Katie is an extremely versatile player," said Davis. "The great thing about her is she's able to handle the ball, she can step out on the floor and shoot the ball and she's also good inside. I think she has a great upside."

"I think Katie is a very talented individual," said Cape Central coach Mark Ruark. "She does a lot of things most 6-1 kids can't do. She has the ability to see the floor. And she's one of the smartest players, in a basketball sense, that I've ever coached. I think she'll step in and play right away for Columbia College."