POCATELLO, Idaho- Idaho State coach
Ryan Looney has signed added four Bengals on the first day of the November signing period.
The Idaho State coaching staff signed four players who are 6-6 or taller. Coming to Pocatello is Noble Cooper, a 6-6 guard from North Dakota State College of Science; Kyle Karstetter, a 6-7 forward from Moses Lake High School; Briggs Ranstrom, a 6-6 forward from Rocky Mountain High School and Zachary Visentin, a 6-9 center from Springville High School.
"Our entire staff has done a fantastic job identifying all of these student-athletes," Looney said. "We felt it was important to sign players that fit our style of play. Our program added more length, size and perimeter shooting today."
Here is a closer look at each player.
Noble Cooper, 6-6, 195, G, (North Dakota State College of Science)
North Dakota State College of Science: Last year played in 32 games, starting 22 … averaged 15.3 points, shot 52 percent from the field, 44.3 percent from the three-point line, 84.2 percent from the free throw line, 2.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists … scored a season-high 30 points vs. Dakota College at Bottineau.
Liberty HS: All-State … graduated in 2016.
Looney on Cooper
"Noble is an extremely skilled offensive player. He can really shoot it from all over the floor, but can also make plays off the dribble. His skills will be a great fit for how we are trying to play on offense."
Cooper on Why He Chose Idaho State
"I was excited to play for coach Looney."
Kyle Karstetter, 6-7 200, F, (Moses Lake High School)
Personal: Parents are Tom and Michelle Karstetter … Born June 16, 2001 … boasts a 3.2 GPA … volunteers at church's youth group, soup kitchen and Moses Lake Parks and Rec program.
High School: Team captain … MVP of the Seattle Shootout … All-Big 9 Conference Team … scored 44 points vs. Southridge (summer), 35 vs. Post Falls (summer), 23 vs. Sunny Side, 21 vs. West Valley and 18 vs. Wenatchee (playoffs).
Looney on Karstetter
"Kyle will be a great player at Idaho State University. He plays extremely hard and is a good athlete. His ability to shoot it from the three point line will make him fit perfectly in our offensive system."
Karstetter on Signing with Idaho State
"I felt that with the new coaching staff that the program is going to be turned around and we will be competing for a league championship and a spot in the tournament soon. I also felt that all the players were happy being at ISU when I was on my visit."
Briggs Ranstrom, 6-6 200, F, (Rocky Mountain High School)
High School: First-team all-district and first-team all-state … two-time 5A state champion.
Personal: Parents are Drew and Jeni Ranstrom … born Oct. 15, 2001 … 3.90 GPA … honor roll … will be a business management major.
Looney on Ranstrom
"Briggs is a fantastic addition to our program. The thing that jumped out most about him is how hard he plays. Briggs will defend and rebound every possession. Bengal fans will love watching him play."
Ranstrom on coming to Idaho State:
"I loved the coaching staff and players at Idaho State. There was a great new energy surrounding the program. I wanted to be a part of it and stay close to home while doing so."
Zachary Visentin, 6-9 260, C, (Springville High School)
Personal: Parents are Beverly and Coby Valgardson … will graduate from Springville High School with a 3.0 GPA.
Visentin on Why He Chose Idaho State
"I love the coaching staff and the team. I love the way they run the program. I love the campus and Pocatello. It is a really nice location and campus. I love the offense and the way my style of play and attitude fit into the offense. I love the facilities and I love the feel of everyone I met and talked to while I was there."
Looney on Visentin
"Big Zach is just scratching the surface in regard to his potential. He had a fantastic summer and will continue that this winter with his high school team. He has a big body and can really score with his back to the basket. Our staff is excited to start working with him."
