DES MOINES, IOWA - High school basketball standouts Kate Schechinger, a 6-3 center from Manning, Iowa; Lizzie Naumann, a 6-2 forward from Totino-Grace, Minn; Stephanie Running, a 6-2 forward from Oak Creek, Wis. and Kayla Person, a 5-6 guard from St. Louis, Mo., have signed national letters of intent indicating they will join the Drake women's basketball program.

Sixth-year head coach Amy Stephens is excited about the Drake prospects.

“We are very excited to sign four outstanding high school athletes as well as individuals who exemplify great character and great academic achievement,” said Stephens.

Schechinger, entering her third year as a starter at IKM-Manning, averaged 22.9 points and 11.4 rebounds for the Wolves in 2007-08. A 1,000-point scorer, she was a Iowa Girls Coaches Association Class 1A first-team all-state selection last year. She also was a first-team all-Western Iowa and All-Boyer Valley Conference selection.

The school-record holder in blocked shots (87), Schechinger is a two-year class president and student-council representative. She also plays volleyball for IKM-Manning, leading the team to the 2008 state tournament.

“Katie has the ability to be a very versatile player, she can shoot the three ball and play with her back to the basket,” commented Stephens.

Naumann is a four-year starter for Totino-Grace, averaging 10.5 points and 9.8 rebounds. She holds school records for single-game rebounds (20) and season rebounds (303, 2007-08). This season Naumann looks to reach both 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds as she has 786 career points and 739 career rebounds.

A three-year North Suburban All-Conference selection, Naumann led the Eagles to a 28-3 record and the Minnesota AAA state championship title last season. She also was named a coaches association all-state selection last year.

“Lizzie gives us more size and depth in the post position,” said Stephens. “She can extend her game to the three-point line as well as post up and I have no doubt she will be an excellent MVC post player.”

Running, a three-time first-team all-conference selection, led the Oak Creek Knights to a 21-4 record and a section championship last season, averaging 16.8 points and 7.6 rebounds. She was named to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel first-team last season and has been a Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) first-team the last two years.

A three-year starter, Running is second all-time in scoring (1,011 points), first all-time in blocked shots (66) and holds the single-game record for rebounds (19) and field-goal percentage (.930; 13-of-14).

“Steph brings more size and athleticism to our inside game,” noted Stephens. “She can score by running the floor and rebounding.”

Person is entering her third year starting for the Incarnate Word Academy Red Knights. She was a 2007-08 Missouri Basketball Association and AP first-team all-state selection, averaging 11.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.9 steals. A two-time first-team all-Metro Women's Athletic Association selection, Person led the Red Knights to the championship game of the state tournament.

“Kayla brings an intensity and passion for the game that will fit right in at Drake,” said Stephens. “She has the ability to shoot the pull-up jumper or get to the rim, and her athleticism will definitely make our team better at the guard position.”