Bowen signs with Western

Hattie Bowen, the Vals 58 guard has signed a letter of intent to play basketball for the University of Montana Western in Dillon, according to head women's coach Kevin Engellant.Bowen earned all-conference basketball honors her junior year. This year, she averages 11 points and close to five rebounds per game. Bowen also lettered in track her sophomore and junior years.Hattie will be an outstanding addition to our campus and our basketball program, says Engellant. She is a hard worker both in the classroom and on the basketball court. Hattie is athletic, a tremendous shooter, and she comes from great basketball family. She is a gym rat and because of her dedication and love for the game, she will continue to improve her basketball skills.Valkyries coach Nate Hammond said college basketball is a step in the right direction for Bowen.She loves playing so much that college basketball is definitely for her, Hammond said. Shes willing to put in the time to get the reward.From the classroom she was selected to the National Honor Society and earned all-state academic honors. Hattie maintains a 3.8 GPA and is a member of the Biology Club and the service club, Interact. Her UMW major is undecided.I decided to sign with Montana Western because of their very successful program, said Bowen. I feel comfortable with the coaching staff. All around, it feels like a good fit for me.Hammond agreed with Bowen.Its a good school for her to go to. Theyve got a good team and a good coach, he said. Theyve shown a real interest in having her there. It will be a good fit.Bowen, who holds the school record for best free-throw percentage, will graduate this spring. She holds the record with her 81.5-percent free-throw shooting as a junior.