Women's Basketball Signs Two Recruits

Women?s Basketball Advances To Semifinals Of MAC Tournament

April 16, 2009 | Women's Basketball

By: Ball State Athletics

MUNCIE, Ind. - Ball State University head women's basketball coach Kelly Packard announced today the signing of two recruits guard Ty'Ronda Benning (Muncie, Ind./Southside) and guard/forward Mercedes Miller (Huber Heights, Ohio/Wayne). Benning and Miller join two earlier signees Chloe Barnes (Quincy, Ill./Quincy Notre Dame) and Shanee' Jackson (Hilliard, Ohio/Hilliard Darby) along with Indiana University transfer Ebony Jackson.

“We are excited to announce the addition of Ty'Ronda Benning and Mercedes Miller to our Ball State University women's basketball program,"said Packard. Both Ty'Ronda and Mercedes are very gifted basketball players, and we believe they possess the competitive drive and focus that are requirements for our program to build upon the incredible success of this season.”

Benning returns to her hometown of Muncie after spending two years at Lincoln Trail College in Robinson, Ill. The 5-6 guard averaged 18.6 points per game at Lincoln Trail while pulling down 5.4 rebounds a contest and dishing out 3.0 assists. She was Region 24 Player of the Year. Benning averaged 25.6 points per game as a senior at Muncie Southside. She is the first hometown women's basketball player to be on Ball State's roster since Christy Jones in 1999-2000. Jones was from Muncie Central and lettered one year for the Cardinals.

“Ty'Ronda brings necessary experience and leadership to our perimeter game,” said Packard. “With the graduation of both Kiley Jarrett and Porchia Green, the stability at our guard position will be crucial as we approach the 2009-2010 season. Ty'Ronda understands the importance of leadership and the position of “floor general”, and her style of play compliments our up tempo offensive system.”

Miller averaged 17.4 points per game and 8.5 rebounds as a senior. She started in 42 games for her career while helping her team to a 67-42 record during her tenure at Wayne High School. Mercedes was named to the 2009 First Team All Greater Western Ohio Conference, the District 15 All-Star Team, Second Team Dayton Daily News All Greater-Dayton Area, First Team Dabbelt Report All Dayton Area and honoroble mention All Southwest District Team.

“Mercedes brings versatility to our program,” said Packard. “Our staff will be challenged to creatively decide where to most effectively position Mercedes on the floor to allow for her highest level of contribution. She possesses a strong combination of both guard and post skills with the ability to create off the dribble, yet her strength and experience have developed confidence in the paint as well.”