Christensen signs dynamic duo to tip off Class of 2016

MITCHELL, S.D. – The 2016 recruiting season is off to a strong start for Dakota Wesleyan University Women's Basketball Head Coach Jason Christensen with the signing of two standout South Dakota high school players.

Sarah Carr of Huron, S.D., and Kynedi Cheeseman of Alexandria, S.D., both signed National Letters of Intent to play basketball at DWU in 2016, Christensen announced Tuesday.

"I am excited for Sarah and Kynedi to come to Dakota Wesleyan," Christensen said. "They are local kids and will be a great fit for our team."

The signees are the first for the Class of 2016 as the Tigers get ready to tip off the 2015-16 season against Oglala Lakota College on November 3.

Carr, who is the cousin of DWU men's basketball player Caleb Carr, is heading into her senior season with Huron High School after already posting a successful career. The 5-foot-11 forward was a member of the Huron team that went to the 2015 South Dakota Class AA State Tournament. She was named to the All-Tournament Team, along with being a member of the All-State Second Team. Carr has been named to the All-ESD First Team the last two seasons.

"Sarah is a kid that can play many different positions that will have a huge impact on our team next year," Christensen said.

So far in her career, Carr has scored 793 points and pulled down 607 rebounds. She is 47 percent shooting from the field and 68 percent from the free-throw line. Carr is currently completing her final year of volleyball for the Tigers and has competed for the Huron track and field team for five years.

In the classroom, Carr is a member of the National Honor Society with high honors and is the Student Council Vice President. Sarah is the daughter of Joe and Lisa Carr.

Cheeseman will look to rebound in 2015-16 for Hanson High School after missing her junior season due to an injury. As a sophomore, Cheeseman scored 17.5 points per game and 456 total to lead the Beavers to a 22-4 record and a fourth-place finish at the South Dakota Class B State Tournament. The Beavers placed third in 2013 during Cheeseman's freshman season.

"Kynedi is a very crafty player that can get to the rim and will be a great addition to our guards," Christensen said.

The 5-foot-8 guard was named the Cornbelt Conference MVP and to the league's first team in both her freshman and sophomore seasons. Cheeseman was named to the Class B All-State First Team in 2014 and is a two-time member of the All-Tournament Team. She is also a four-year member of the Hanson volleyball and track teams. Cheeseman recently recorded her 1,000-career kill for the Beavers.

Cheeseman brings success in the classroom as well. She is the National Honor Society President and the 2016 Hanson Class President. Kynedi is the daughter of Travis and Becky Cheeseman. Her sister Kendra Cheeseman is a junior on the DWU women's basketball team.