5’11 senior forward Roxanne Keefer of Forsyth High School has officially signed her NJCAA National Letter of Intent to attend Dawson Community College and play for the Lady Buccaneers basketball program.
Forsyth was recently crowned Montana Class B Co-State Champions. The Dogies had an overall record of 22-4; going 14-2 in conference and repeating as conference champs. They lost to Colstrip in the district championship game on a last second shot. Forsyth fought their way to the state tournament by winning some key games in the divisional tournament. In that state tournament in Butte, they defeated Malta by 5 points and Big Timber 46-30, led by great defensive play by guard Haley Vance and the offense was led by Lindsay Hein and Roxanne Keefer.
In 2018-2019, Forsyth finished with a 20-5 overall record. The Dogies went on to win the conference championship with a 14-2 record. They also defeated Colstrip, winning the district title for the first time ever. That same season, Forsyth made a run in the divisional tournament upsetting Three Forks High School, and eventually losing in the championship game to Columbus. Continuing to the state tournament, Forsyth upset #1 ranked Harlem with Roxanne Keefer sealing the game in the 4th quarter, making two free throws.
Keefer averaged 8 points, 8 rebounds and shot 70% from the free throw line this past season. She was named First Team All-Conference her junior and senior year. Keefer also received the team’s Sportsmanship Award in 2020. At the district tournament, Roxanne was honored with a Star Quilt. Keefer also succeeded as a state participant in tennis for 3 years. Her team was the divisional champions in 2018.
Forysth Head Girl’s Basketball Coach Rian Pinkerton shared his remarks, “Where do I begin? From the day I met Roxanne, you could feel comfort and a sense of control on the floor when she was out there. Her leadership on the floor has been the silence of our storm, leading us to a divisional entrance 3 years ago, to a state appearance last season and a championship in 2020. She has carried a level of confidence for the team that led us into safety when she has been put on the line. Roxanne has been an incredible leader to those on and off the floor. She will be missed by the Dogie family and I believe she will do good things for Dawson Community College. Words cannot express my excitement towards Keefer’s achievements and decisions. She will be a great addition to Dawson.”
DCC Women’s Basketball Coach Romeo Lagmay, Jr. added his comments, “We’re excited to have a winner in our program. Roxanne has had a successful high school career, and played a major role in the Dogies accomplishments. She has a solid IQ for the game. We like her mid-range shooting as well as holding her own in the paint. Roxanne will be a good addition to our culture under the guidance she had from Coach Pinkerton.”
Roxanne commented on her new career choice, “I chose Dawson because of the small town atmosphere. I like that Glendive is close to home but far enough that I will experience new things. I am excited to be able to continue playing basketball at the next level.”