Kiera Neal and Alyse Holliman sacrificed and worked on their basketball skills tirelessly during their time at Marion. Now, they get to enjoy the benefits. At a signing ceremony on Wednesday afternoon in the Marion High School lobby, Neal signed with Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, while Holliman pledged to Connors State College in Warner, Oklahoma. “I couldn't be more proud of a player than I am of those two,” said Marion girls basketball coach Shunda Johnson. “They came to us and certainly grew as players, but they also made it a point to buy in and become part of the sisterhood of our team, and they are great examples of that. I know they'll be great at the next level.” Neal and Holliman were pillars of Marion teams that won a combined 47 games and made three straight trips to the state semifinals during their varsity careers. Each player earned all-conference honors twice, and Neal earned all-state honors as a senior after pacing the Lady Pats in points and rebounds. “I'm excited and proud to be able to keep playing in college,” said Neal. “I can't wait to see what the season coming up and my future holds for me.” The Three Rivers Lady Raiders finished 22-6 in 2022-2023, including a sterling 7-3 mark in league action. The versatile Neal could see action early when she arrives in Poplar Bluff because “she can do a lot of things really well,” said Johnson. “She's gotten much better shooting the ball. She did well for us when we ran the offense through her and handled the ball. She's a high-jump athlete for the track team if that gives you an idea. I just think she'll give them a lift.” “I liked Three Rivers because it's close to home, and that's a really big deal for me,” said Neal. “It just felt right when I was there. I liked the coaches and basketball and that stuff, but it just seemed like the place for me when I visited.” Holliman earned all-league honors as a junior after a series of good play thrust her into the starting lineup late in the 2021-2022 season. The senior recorded five double-doubles after February 1, including one in the opening round of the state tournament against Hot Springs Lakeside. “I've always loved playing ball and playing ball with my friends and teammates was even better,” said Holliman. The Connors State College Cowgirls recorded an 18-12 record a season ago, including a stellar 12-3 home record. “Alyse is a candidate to play early because she's big, strong, she can score around the basket, and she can pass,” said Johnson. “She has an uncommon skillset and she's an unselfish player."