Womens BB signees posted earlier to FB board by

[OldTimer]

North Texas Women's Basketball Adds Three Players In Early Signing Period

DENTON (11/12/03) - The North Texas women's basketball team signed three players to national letters of intent Wednesday on the first day of the early signing period. North Texas added Erica Howard, a 6-3 post from Morrilton, Ark. along with 6-2 forward Amber Jackson and 5-7 point guard Amanda Quattrocchi from Indianapolis, Ind.

"This is a great day for North Texas Women's Basketball. I am truly excited about these three young ladies. It is certainly one of our most impressive signing classes. I credit my staff for, not only finding, but successfully recruiting three of the best recruits our program has ever signed" said North Texas head coach Tina Slinker. "I believe each of these young ladies brings something very special to our program both on and off the court. We competed against some tops programs in the country and signed three nationally known recruits".

Howard was named the Class 4A State Tournament Most Valuable Player along with being voted all-state and all-conference as she led Morrilton High School to the state title her junior season. Howard, a two-time all-state selection, averaged 22 points, 12 rebounds, and five blocks a game last season as she chose North Texas over Arkansas, Mississippi, Mississippi State, and Memphis.

"Erica is a tremendous sign for our program. To beat out three SEC schools proves that we have signed a difference maker in Erica Howard. She is explosive, quick, and has an innate ability to score" said Slinker.

Jackson and Quattrocchi both attend Brebeuf High School and were recently named All-America Honorable Mention by Street and Smith magazine. Jackson averaged 11 points and nine rebounds last season and was named to the ICGSA-all state team (Indiana Coaches Girls Sports Association) her junior season. Jackson was also named to Region Roundball's Top 13 players in the state of Indiana.

"Amber is an extremely talented young lady. Her ability to get to the basket makes her a threat inside and out. She is very versatile and her quickness fits in well with our up-tempo style of play. Amber has the ability to make an impact right away" said Slinker.

Quattrocchi was named to the ICGSA-all state team her junior season after leading the state in 3-point shooting at 51 percent. Quattrocchi averaged 10.2 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.7 rebounds a game last season. Quattrocchi and Jackson have been named to the pre-season all-state team at Brebeuf.

"Amanda is a pure point guard. She understands the game and has great court sense. She is one of the best 3-point shooters in the country and will fit in nicely with our style of play. I am thrilled to have Amanda in our program" Slinker said.

North Texas begins their 2003-04 season on Saturday, November 22 against Indiana State in the first round of the Indiana Classic.

Amber Jackson, 6-2, Forward, Indianapolis, Indiana (Brebeuf High School)

Jackson averaged 11 points and nine rebounds last season and was named to the ICGSA-all state team (Indiana Coaches Girls Sports Association) her junior season. Jackson was also named to Region Roundball's Top 13 players in the state of Indiana. Jackson has been named to the pre-season all state team by Hoosier Basketball Magazine, and she has also been named a Top 25 Super Senior by Region Roundball Review. Jackson chose North Texas over Rice, New Mexico, and Southern Mississippi.

Erica Howard, 6-3, Post, Morrilton, Arkansas (Morrilton High School)

Howard was the Class 4A State Tourmament MVP as she led Morrilton High School to the state title and a 28-1 record her junior season. She averaged 22 points, 12 rebounds, and five blocks per game last season as she was named to the Arkansas All-State team. As a sophomore Howard was named to the Arkansas All-State team along with the Arkansas All-Sophomore teams. She averaged 18.4 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks per game. She has also been a two-time all-conference selection.

Amanda Quattrocchi, 5-7, Guard, Indianapolis, Indiana (Brebeuf High School)

Quattrocchi was named to the ICGSA-all state team her junior season after leading the state in 3-point shooting at 51 percent. Quattrocchi averaged 10.2 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.7 rebounds a game last season. Quattrocchi has been named to the pre-season all-state team at Brebeuf. Quattrocchi is a pre-season all-state selection and a Top 25 Super Senior. She has also been listed as one of the Top 25 point guards nationally by All-Star Girls Report. Quattrocchi chose North Texas over Michigan, Dayton and Bowling Green.