Lee coach Marty Rowe and assistant Mindy Kiser were on the Walker Valley campus Thursday to witness Neuharth’s commitment to remain in Cleveland for her college basketball career.
Coach Rowe, and Jordan’s parents, Jarrod and Diane Neuharth, are delighted with the decision.
“We think Jordan has a lot of upsides as a basketball player,” coach Rowe said during Thursday’s signing ceremony in the Walker Valley library. “She’ll be prepared to be a solid part of our program for several years.
“She is a hard worker and conducts herself very well as an individual,” continued the Lee coach.
Neuharth is the first college signee for Walker Valley’s new coaching tandem, head coach Jan Spangler and assistant Jessica Stone. The two new coaches of the Lady Mustangs are former Lee University players, strengthening the basketball connection between the Bradley County school and the local university.
Neuharth will be a key player for the Lady Mustangs this year, and is looking forward to her senior season.
She said she made her decision on college some time ago, and has included some playing time with several of the Lee University players.
“She’s been coming down and playing with our girls, which makes the connection with our team even stronger,” said coach Rowe.
Neuharth said she is also enjoying the instruction she’s receiving from her two new high school coaches. “It’s different, but we’re enjoying practice.”
Neuharth’s sister, Taylor, is also a member of the Walker Valley basketball team.
The new Lee University signee says she knows her parents are very happy with her decision. “I don’t think they were ready for me to leave Cleveland (Bradley County) for college,” she said. Jordan’s mother agreed with that assessment.
The signing of Neuharth gives Lee and coach Rowe two outstanding recruits for next season. The Lady Flames recently signed McMinn Central standout Jenna Adams to a scholarship.
Rowe said he is pleased with his two signees, but will be surprised if another recruit is signed. “We’re only losing two players from this year’s team, so our needs are limited,” he said.
Rowe said Lee continues to look at the high school talent locally and outside of the area. He said one additional recruit is a possibility.
For now, Lee’s coaches are pleased with their new signees.
Jordan has not decided on academic courses she will pursue in college. “I’ll have plenty of time to decide that,” she said. “Right now I’m focusing on basketball.”
