MILLHAM TRANSFERS CLOSER TO HOME: MU

Christa Millham liked virtually everything about New Mexico State -- except the fact she was so far from home.

That was the Jackson High School graduate's primary reasons for leaving the school after one season with the basketball team.

Millham, a 5-foot-10 point guard, earlier this week signed to play with the University of Missouri. She will have to sit out next season under NCAA transfer rules and will then have three years of eligibility remaining.

"I really liked the team and the school but I just didn't get to go home and see my family enough," she said of New Mexico State. "I really missed them and now I'll be a lot closer and they'll be able to come see me play pretty much whenever they want."

Millham had a relatively successful rookie season at New Mexico State, averaging nearly six points per game and starting about the last third of the season.

"We only won seven games, but we won three of our last four and we were starting several freshmen," she said. "I was pretty pleased with the way things went, especially toward the end of the season."

A 1998 Jackson graduate, Millham helped lead the Lady Indians of coach Ron Cook to three consecutive Class 4A state runnerup finishes. She was twice selected to the all-state team.

Millham will be joining a Missouri program that has struggled mightily in the rugged Big 12 Conference in recent years. But she believes the team is headed in the right direction under Cindy Stein, who this year completed her first season as the Tigers' coach.

"I'm impressed with what she's doing and I think I'll fit in well there," said Millham, who added that she doesn't mind having to sit out next season, when she will be able to practice with the team but won't be allowed to compete in games. "I think it (sitting out) will help me in the long run, especially moving to the Big 12 from the Big West Conference. The players are a lot stronger and faster in the Big 12 and I have to get stronger and faster."

Millham, who is finishing out the school year at New Mexico State, said she seriously considered transferring to Southeast Missouri State University before deciding on Missouri.

"I had a real good visit to SEMO," she said. "I really enjoyed meeting all the girls there and I have a lot of respect for Coach (Ed) Arnzen. I think he's a really good coach.

"That made it a tough decision. I seriously considered SEMO, but I really liked the idea of playing in the Big 12."