HOUSTON, TX - Head Coach Mary Gleason has announced the signing of Maisie Elston, Tayler Jefferson, Emily Jenkins, and Ashleigh Nwanguma to national letters of intent to join the Huskies in search of their first Great West Conference Championship.
Early Commitments Experience Success and Accolades
Inked to National Letters of Intent during the early signing period in mid December, Shanice Steenholdt and Devyn Weymouth could relax and focus on their current high school teams.
As high school seniors, both ladies were McDonald's All-America nominees; Weymouth for the second consecutive season.
Steenholdt was the leader on a Roswell High team that won their eighth straight 4AAAA district title but ultimately fell to state champion Gallup in the state semifinal round.
Previously, the Roswell, NM native led her squad to capture the prestigious Mel Otero Classic title in Rio Rancho, while earning tournament MVP. Her team also captured the Goddard Holiday Tournament title, with Steenholdt being named to the All-Tournament Team.
Weymouth, a point guard for Lincoln High, leaves the school as its all-time leading scorer. The Sacramento Bee described her as "one of the section's premier players" heading into this year's playoffs.
During the 2010-11 campaign, Weymouth averaged 17.4 points, 3.2 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 3.3 steals per game as the Trojans won the league title for the second consecutive year. The Stockton, CA point guard was named the 2011 San Joaquin Athletic Association's co-MVP, along with her Trojan teammate for the second consecutive season. Weymouth graduates leading the most successful team to have played in Lincoln's history.
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"We are extremely excited about this recruiting class," said Gleason. "These players are a great addition to our new chapter as a Division I program. We're anticipating great things based on the wealth of experience and accomplishments of this recruiting class ranging from District MVP, playing in state tournaments, McDonalds All-America nominees, and a national team player [Great Britain]."
This year's large and talented signing class features student-athletes from four states, one international player, with two local signings. The new Huskies will add to the previously signed Shanice Steenholdt and Devyn Weymouth.
The Huskies concluded the 2010-11 campaign at the Great West Conference Tournament upsetting #2 seed South Dakota. Season highlights also include a non-conference Division I victory, three Division I wins [both firsts since the 2008-09 season], and Destini Texada named Second Team All-Conference.
Seven opponents from this year's challenging schedule participated in post-season tournaments.
Please read below for bios on each student-athlete.
Maisie Elston
Fr • Guard • 5-10
Barking Abbey • London, England
Played for U-16 and U-18 England National Team ... Competed in FIBA European Championships in each of past 4 years ... Will compete in FIBA European Championship in Miskolc, Hungary this summer... Attends one of the most prestigious basketball academies in the United Kingdom [Barking Abbey] ... Renowned as one of the most prolific perimeter players in her age group ... Plays for the Sevenoaks Suns in Division I of the English National League ... Sevenoaks to play in the English National League Final Four in 3 weeks despite having one of the youngest rosters.
See video of Maisie Elston here
Gleason on Elston: "Her shooting accuracy and size at the guard spot are a welcome addition. She is coming a long way from home to pursue her dream of playing in the United States. Maisie has a wealth of experience and is so accomplished playing on the international level. She has been involved in the English National Team system for years. We feel Maisie's shooting ability will make an immediate impact on the HBU program this upcoming season. Maisie's focus and dedication to her game and academics are a great fit for our up and coming Division I program."
Elston on HBU: "Small university, the location and I had good vibes about the school."
Tayler Jefferson
Fr • Guard • 5-5
North Shore • Houston, TX
Three year letterwinner ... Named First Team All-District ... Named Texas Association Basketball Coaches (TABC) All-Region ... Named to Houston Area Girl's Basketball All-Star Game ... North Shore High team captain ... Led team to regional finals in playoffs ... Team ranked 10th in Texas and Top 100 nationally ... Galena Park ISD Student of the Month Award October, 2010 ... National Honor Society ... Recipient of HBU Presidents Award for Academic Achievement.
Gleason on Jefferson: "Smart, dynamic and sure of herself in the point guard position, TJ is the textbook point guard. She can also hit the 3 in transition. She makes players around her better. We are so lucky to have such talented point guards joining us with TJ and Devyn Weymouth. TJ captained her North Shore High School to numerous playoff runs and just a win shy of getting to the Texas state tournament this past March. Her academic accolades are as impressive as her game. HBU is proud to have such an accomplished student and athlete join our community."
Jefferson on HBU: "Love the coaches and a great academic school."
Emily Jenkins
Fr • Center • 6-3
Lincoln-Way North • Frankfort, IL
Three year letterwinner ... 103 blocks as two year varsity starter ... Named SWSC All-Conference ... Named to The All-22nd Century Media Sports Team ... Joined varsity in 2009 and team improved by 17 wins ... As a junior, helped high school team to SWSC title in second year of existence ... Played AAU for Chicago Hoops Express and Illinois X-citement.
Gleason on Jenkins: "Emily brings much needed size to our front court. She is big and has good footwork. Emily is a strong defender in the post and has a nice touch around the basket. She is excited to learn and has a great work ethic. We are very fortunate to have landed a player with so much potential and upside to her game."
Jenkins on HBU: "I liked the coaches before I visited the school, liked the small school environment, the close proximity to downtown Houston, the quality education and the warm weather!"
Ashleigh Nwanguma Fr • Forward • 6-1
Cinco Ranch • Katy, TX
Three year letterwinner ... Two year varsity starter ... Named First Team All-District ... District and Bi-District Champions 2008-09 ... Top Rebounder in Houston Area ... Two older sisters played NCAA Division I basketball ... Academic All-District 2010 and 2011.
Gleason on Nwanguma: "Ashleigh is a very athletic forward/post with incredible rebounding abilities. A very accomplished high school career at Cinco Ranch, Ashleigh was top in the city of Houston in rebounding. She is another gem that will only get better in our motion system. She has come from an athletic family with two sisters playing at the Division I level. Ashleigh is the true definition of a student-athlete, with future aspirations of attending medical school. We are excited to have a player of her ability to round out our athletic low post game."
Nwanguma on HBU: "Christian environment, excellent academic program and a great coach."
