Kierra Thornton had trouble finding a college that she really wanted to go to during a difficult recruiting process.

Then Three Rivers called.

In looking to replace a heralded graduating sophomore class, women’s basketball coach Alex Wiggs signed Thornton out of Dayton, Ohio.

“Kierra probably played on one of the best high school teams in the nation. They’ve got girls going all over the country,” Wiggs said. “She knows how to win.”

Added Thornton, “I was stoked, honestly.”

She was looking for good surroundings, a good team and good coaches she could bond with.

“It had everything I was looking for in a basketball team and in the school,” said Thornton, who was unable to visit the campus in person.

A few images of the Libla Family Sports Complex didn’t hurt, either.

“The gym is beautiful. It’s a big gym,” Thornton said. “I just know it’s going to be a good atmosphere to be in.”

The Lady Raiders lost six players in the offseason, five of them sophomore guards, if you include the 6-foot, 1-inch Hannah Thurmon who transitioned into the team’s top 3-point shooter as a sophomore. Those five combined for more than 40 points per game.

As a senior, Thornton, a 5-8 guard, averaged 10 points, five assists, five steals and four rebounds as Fairmont High School reached the OHSAA Division I state semifinals, which is the girls basketball division reserved for Ohio’s largest schools.

Thornton was also a second-team All-Greater Western Ohio Conference selection and described herself as a defense-first player who can also drive to the basket.

“I feel like I would be a good addition to the new roster,” Thornton said. “I’m really excited.”

Thornton will study occupational therapy while at Three Rivers.

Scott Borkgren - Daily American Republic