Erickson, a Future Lady Bobcat Talks of Her Decision

Saco Senior and North Country Maverick standout Teagan Erickson had an official visit with the Montana State University Lady Bobcats basketball team and she is verbally committed to play in Bozeman next season,

The PCN caught up with Erickson to ask her a few important questions, including, why Bozeman?

"It kind of came down to choosing the best fit for me and I have always just wanted to stay in state and I thought that (I really fit) with Coach Bin's (Tricia Binford) program that she is building. I just love the coaching staff, being on campus and being around the other players. It just really solidified my decision."

Teagan, the daughter of Jason and Amber Erickson, knew that she was on MSU's radar the summer going into her junior season last year after the school saw a highlight during her sophomore season.

"There was a video of one of my backboard blocks," Erickson said. "They may have got it from a booster. I think that's how I was first spotted and then they just started talking to me."

That block came during a game against the Class B Glasgow Scotties in Saco. She said that she did not share the video with anyone, but it got out.

Sooner or later Erickson, who is around 6'2" and won the 2023 State C Basketball Title with the Lady Mavericks, would be on a lot of schools' radars. She is also a three-time All-State Selection, with her senior season coming up this December.

She was asked what it felt like to be approached by a D1 school.

"It's a big shock but it is also a dream come true because I have always wanted to play basketball growing up," Erickson said. "We have always been in the gym and getting contacted by schools has been a lot of fun. The whole recruiting process has been a blast."

She had an unofficial visit last year during volleyball season. The visit left a good impression. Prior to visiting Bozeman, she visited the University of Montana, who also expressed interest in Erickson.

"I really enjoyed the coaches and they really made me feel welcome during my visit; both my unofficial and my official visit," Erickson said.

This time, Erickson had a chance to don the team's white jersey, a jersey they wear during home games.

She cannot officially sign with the school until later this year, but she verbally committed last December, though it has been kept quiet.

"I committed (verbally) a while ago but I haven't told a lot of people that I committed," Erickson said.

She was asked why she kept things so quiet.

"Honestly, I don't know," she said. "I just told my family and then a few close friends. I am not a huge fan of publicity and I figured that it would get out eventually, so there was no sense in me just spreading it around."

According to the 6'2" senior, the team sees her playing at the 3 or 4 in terms of position, rather than the traditional post position, given her ability to handle and shoot the ball.

Erickson is thinking that her major will be somewhere in the animal science category and she wants to work with livestock.

She was asked if she had a dream college and if Bozeman was it.

"I don't think I had a specific school that I wanted to attend," Erickson said. "We have always watched all of the college hoops and never had a certain team."

She said that her mother, Amber Erickson, is from the Western part of the state, and the Erickson family leaned towards the U of M Grizzlies.

Ultimately, it came down to the fit for Erickson.

Erickson received a lot of attention last summer while playing AAU basketball for the first time with the Northwest Blazers, but she kept her focus in state.

"One of my teammates on the Blazers is going to go play with me at MSU," Erickson said. "So that is super exciting."

Her friend, Taylee Chirrick, a senior guard at Roberts High School, also went to Bozeman at the same time as Erickson during their unofficial visit.

"She is just an amazing person all-around and player," Erickson said. "I have gotten to know her really well over the past year and she is the epitome of the best teammate and person you can be around. I am super excited to continue playing with her."

Erickson was asked what it means to be a North Country Maverick.

"It means a ton, because being in such a small school, there are a lot of kids that look up to you," she said. "Having all of these achievements not only in high school but outside of high school means a lot to them and gives them something to strive for when they get older."