By Tom Murphy Jr.

Senior Reporter

Bethany Watterworth, a six-foot forward from Lake Orion, decided to commit to Oakland University to play basketball for a number of reasons, but the main one was that it was close to home.

Lake Orion High School girls basketball coach Steve Roberts said that Watterworth is a very skilled player. She can play both inside and outside.

“She is very unselfish on the court,” Roberts said. “She involves her teammates. She’s a very versatile player. She can play all positions on the floor, handle the basketball, shoot from outside and play in the post. She has a well rounded total game.”

Watterworth, a four-year varsity starter, began her high school career at Lake Orion Baptist then transferred to Lake Orion High School halfway through her freshman year. Roberts said that as soon as she stepped on the court for the first time for Lake Orion she was the best player on the varsity squad.

He said that as a sophomore she was very productive, averaging over 10 points and 10 rebounds per game. She increased her scoring as a junior averaging 15 points and 10 rebounds per game. Watterworth was named to the Oakland County Dream Team last season and was an all-state honorable mention.

Oakland women’s basketball head coach Beckie Francis said she was excited to sign Watterworth.

“She’s versatile,” Francis said. “She can rebound like [junior Melissa] Jeltema, shoot like [senior Jessica] Pike and handle like [sophomore Stacey] Farrell. She will definitely put pressure on to play as a freshman.”

Watterworth said that she was happy to sign her letter of intent for OU during the early signing period.

“It takes the pressure off,” Watterworth said. “It allows me to focus on my upcoming season. I don’t have to worry about where I am going to go to college. I have that set and clear in my mind, I am very happy.”

Watterworth said that she is very excited to be joining the Grizzlies next season because of the style of play that Oakland features.

“They play a motion offense and they enforce defense,” Watterworth said. “It’s a perfect fit for me because I can play inside and out. I have the size to rebound and play in the post

and also I can play out on the wing and shoot the three ball.”