North Central Missouri College sophomore Amber Vandevender of Trenton recently signed a national letter of intent to play basketball at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville.
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Vandevender finished her NJCAA career with 847 points, which ranks her third all-time at NCMC. She ranks among the Top 10 all-time in school history in three other categories, including fourth in assists (260); fifth in steals (109); and seventh in rebounds (264).
During her two seasons with the Lady Pirates, Vandevender helped NCMC to a 21-2 record against Region 16 opponents. This past season Vandevender and the Lady Pirates ascended to a national ranking of fourth before placing sixth at the national tournament in Arizona.
“Amber is an outstanding player; her stats and accomplishments show that,” Head Coach James Arnold said. “But she is an even better student and overall person.”
As a two-year starter, Vandevender helped lead the Lady Pirates to a total of 53 wins. She was twice named to the All-Region 16 and Mark Whiteaker Memorial Classic teams.
The Lady Pirates won the Region 16 championship and the District F championship on their way to berth in the national tournament in 2007.
“Amber had lots of choices and Northwest was always one of her top picks,” Arnold said. “I am so excited that it worked out for her. She will have a great career as a Bearcat.”
Vandevender is the second NCMC women’s player to move on to play basketball at the four-year level. Tiara Johnson earlier signed with St. Bonaventure.
Vandevender was also a high school standout at Trenton. She is the daughter of Steve and Susie Vandevender of Trenton.