PRAIRIE VIEW A&M WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SIGNS 5 DECORATED RECRUITS FOR 2009-10 CAMPAIGN

PRAIRIE VIEW, TEXAS (May 1, 2009) Prairie View A&M University Head Women’s Basketball Coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke announced today that a total of five student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to play basketball for the 2008-09 SWAC Champion Lady Panthers next season.

With an emphasis on strengthening their post play, the coaching staff signed three players at the position highlighted by two junior college transfers and a nationally ranked high school senior. The Lady Panthers also bolstered their backcourt as they received signatures from a high scoring guard who hails from the state of Louisiana in addition to a junior college combo guard from New Jersey.

“We went out and signed a solid class for next season that addressed most of our needs,” said Cooper-Dyke. “I expect them to come in and make an immediate impact for us.”

Sharde Henry
Guard
5-10 ● Freshman, H.S.
Lake Charles, La. ● LaGrange

One of the top guards in the state of Louisiana…earned LSWA First Team Class 4A All-State Honors…averaged 28 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 6 steals per game…scored 30 or more points on four occasions as she led her team to the playoffs…played in the Louisiana High School Coaches Association All-Star Game and finished as the team’s second-leading scorer…named to the LHSAA Honorable Mention All-Academic Team…led her team to a 20-10 record…also runs track and will participate in the Louisiana Class 4A State Track Meet in several running events.

Prairie View A&M Head Coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke
“Sharde can play inside and on the perimeter. She has a strong post-up game and has the skills to face players up.”

Rennica Merida
Forward
6-3 ● Freshman, H.S.
Inkster, Mich. ● Lee M Thurston High School

Ranked as the 70th-best high school power forward in the nation by ESPN.com…earned honorable mention all-west honors by the Detroit Free Press…played in the U.S. Junior Championships All-Star Game…also recruited by Texas-El Paso and Western Michigan.

Prairie View A&M Head Coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke
“Rennica is an athletic post who can hit the outside shot. She is a great rebounder who’s aggressive on the glass and can finish with contact. She has the potential to be an immediate impact player for us next season.”

Whitney Williams
Center
6-3 ● Junior, J.C.
Beaumont, Texas ● Cowley College (KS)

Helped lead her team to the second round of the NJCAA Region VI Tournament with a 24-8 mark…averaged 7 points, 7.5 rebounds and led team with 1.5 blocks per game…shot 46 percent from the field...also recruited by Oral Roberts.

Prairie View A&M Head Coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke
“Whitney should have a major impact in our conference as she provides the presence in the paint that we need. She is physical, agile, has great hands and can alter shots in the paint. She is also extremely athletic for her size and will be an immediate contributor.”

Ciara Banks
Forward
6-1 ● Junior, J.C.
Washington, D.C. ● Indian River State College (FL)

Led her team with 9.8 rebounds per game…shot 50 percent from the field…named to the All-Southern Conference First Team…heavily recruited by Temple, Nebraska and Alabama-Birmingham.

Prairie View A&M Head Coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke
“Ciara is an athletic player who can play multiple positions on the court. She’s very agile with the ability to catch and shoot along with facing up players from the four (power forward) spot. She is also a great rebounder that’s quick and explosive in addition to possessing superb footwork in the paint.”

Courtney Larsen
Guard
5-8 ● Junior, J.C.
Carteret, N.J. ● Union County College (NJ)

Played on one of the top junior college teams in the NJCAA Division II ranks…played a key role in guiding her team to a 26-1 mark which included a Region XIX Championship…averaged 8.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2 steals per contest…also recruited by Rider University.

Prairie View A&M Head Coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke

“Courtney is a strong, athletic combo guard who can create off the bounce. She is a smooth passer, has great vision, court awareness and knows how to push the tempo.”