New Mississippi State women's basketball coach Vic Schaefer has his first recruit in Tem-Cats' forward KeTara Chapel.

Schaefer has used his defensive acumen to earn the nickname "Secretary of Defense." Schaefer's tough, in-your-face style of defense was an integral component of Texas A&M University's march to the 2011 national title.

Schaefer's hope is to take the philosophy he and Gary Blair used to build programs at the University of Arkansas and at Texas A&M and have similar success at MSU.

Having players like Chapel will help.

On July 28, Chapel, Tem-Cats' 6-foot-1 forward, texted MSU assistant coach Aqua Franklin to commit to the Lady Bulldogs. Dan Olson's Collegiate Girls Report, a national women's basketball recruiting service, rates Chapel No. 177 in the Class of 2013.

"She is a long, athletic player who fits the style of the Southeastern Conference," said Olson, a longtime analyst and former college basketball coach. "She is one of the better players from Central Texas. She is a versatile, face-up four player (power forward) who can handle the basketball in transition and finish on the break."

Chapel, who plays her Amateur Athletic Union ball with the Austin Elite, was a first-team district performer in 12-5A in 2011 and a second-team All-Central Texas pick in 2012. She said she chose MSU over the University of Kansas, Iowa State University, the University of Michigan, Temple University, Providence College, the University of Denver, and the University of Texas.

"He likes defense and I like defense," Chapel said. "I know they will play a fast-paced game, and I think it fits me a lot. I like playing defense and getting up and down the floor."

Chapel said he liked the fact Schaefer and his assistant coaches stayed in touch with her and communicated their goals to her. She said that made her feel like MSU was the right place for her and that she was wanted.

"He told me he wanted me to be the SEC Freshman of the Year and that he wanted me to come to play and not sit on the bench," Chapel said. "I really liked that because all of the coaches didn't call me and tell me that."

Chapel said she enjoys rebounding and that her offensive skills are improving. She said she typically plays a post position in high school and moves to the perimeter to defend guards on her AAU team.

"I work really hard and I am not a selfish player," Chapel said. "I like to pass the ball and help my teammates. I have long arms that help me distract guards, and I can move my feet."

Chapel is the first commitment for Schaefer and his staff. College coaches can't comment on high school signees until they sign a National Letter of Intent. Chapel said she expects to make an official visit to MSU on Sept. 7-9, and that she will make her commitment official in November.

Olson said he saw Chapel play twice in July and that she is developing a mid-range game and consistency on the arc. He feels Chapel fits the mold of players Schaefer will try to bring to MSU to install his defensive strategy.

"She has a wingspan that allows her to defend passing lanes, she rebounds and she gets putbacks, and she is superb in transition," Olson said. "She is a sleeper."

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