A pair of standout players from Wyoming’s 2024 girls basketball all-star team will soon take the next step in their athletic careers as they join the Montana State University Billings (MSUB) women’s basketball program, Montana Sports.com reports.
Following a memorable victory in Lockwood—Wyoming’s first win in the annual all-star series since 2016—Kaylie Neary and Lauren Kuhbacher are preparing to make the move to Billings.
Neary, a Gillette native, said the decision to commit to MSUB felt like a natural fit.
“I’ve always liked Billings. I went to their Elite Camp last summer and coach [Kevin] Woodin took me and wanted to offer me,” Neary explained. “I went on a visit and it just felt like home. Honestly, it was perfect.”
Kuhbacher, also from Gillette, echoed the excitement, especially after competing against her future teammates in the all-star matchup.
“We didn’t know how they’d play. We haven’t really got to watch them play, so it’s cool to play against them and see what good things they do,” she said. “I’m excited to have that on my team next year.”
The Montana-Wyoming all-star game featured several future Yellowjackets, including three players from Montana, highlighting head coach Kevin Woodin’s regional recruiting strategy. His approach has drawn top talent from both states, adding depth and potential to MSUB’s roster.
Neary also spoke to the significance of representing a state often under the radar in the national basketball scene.
“It’s really cool to get to represent Wyoming because it’s a very unseen state,” she said. “It’s cool to have a lot of talent that we brought and just to set our mark for next year and show we can win and compete with girls everywhere.”
Kuhbacher added:
“These girls are the best 10 in Wyoming. It’s cool to show all the talent that we have here. We’re overlooked a lot, so it’s awesome to show it off in this game.”
Neary and Kuhbacher will be joined at MSUB by fellow Wyoming all-star Alli Ligocki
