One of Katrina Carter’s current players and two of her former players have settled their collegiate plans.
Pearl-Cohn’s Porche’ Hannah announced she will sign a girls basketball scholarship with Grambling during the early recruiting period in November, while Hillsboro teammates Nicole Bowers and Jemilah Leonard are headed to the Ohio Valley Conference – Bowers to Eastern Kentucky, Leonard to Tennessee State.
Hannah, a 6-4 post player, also had interest from TSU, Alabama State, George Mason and Southern Miss.
“I really liked the coach and the surroundings; it really felt like home,” Hannah said of the Louisiana school, where she will play for longtime coach Patricia Bibbs.
“She’s got good moves inside, she’s very academically motivated, and she’s got great upside,” Carter said of Hannah. “She’ll be a great asset for Grambling.”
Leonard, a 5-6 guard, also had a scholarship offer from Grambling and considered Hampton, Norfolk State, Texas-Arlington and North Florida as well.
“I like the coaching staff, and I like being able to stay close to home,” Leonard said. “I want my family to be able to see me play.”
Bowers considered Austin Peay, William & Mary and Texas A&M.
“They’ve been watching me since I was a freshman,” the 6-footer said. “They like my versatility – the fact that I can play with my back to the basket or face up.”
Gilbert also commits: Aryanna Gilbert, who helped Lawrence County to the Class AAA tournament as a junior but will play at District 8-AAA rival Columbia this year, committed to Tennessee-Chattanooga.
“My mom and I weighed the options, and UTC was the best choice,” said the 5-10 forward, who also looked at Middle Tennessee State, Austin Peay and TSU. “I loved the campus and the coaches.”
Maplewood names coach: Tristan Jones-Williams has been hired as girls basketball coach at Maplewood, following the resignation of Mark Hayes at the conclusion of the 2011-12 season.