Story Links
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. Virginia head coach Debbie Ryan announced the signing of China Crosby, Simone Egwu, Lexie Gerson, Telia McCall and Erinn Thompson to National Letters of Intent to play for the Cavaliers beginning in 2009. Collectively, the class has been tabbed as high as No. 3 in the nation.
“This is an outstanding class of players and, most importantly, people,” Ryan said. “I am proud of each and every one of these young women and will be honored to be their coach. This class covers every position on the floor and will be a huge asset to our program moving forward.”
The Cavaliers’ class earned its No. 3 ranking from Blue Star Report and ESPN.com, and was also rated No. 4 by HoopGurlz.com and No. 6 by All-Star Girls Report. “The Cavs get four players ranked in the top 100, including the nation’s No. 2 point guard in Crosby, versatility with forward Thompson and swing player Gerson, and an athletic post in Egwu,” Hoopgurlz.com contributor Chris Hansen wrote.
China Crosby (New York, N.Y.), a 5-6 point guard out of Manhattan Center High School for Math & Science, is the 14th-ranked overall player and No. 2 point guard in the class according to HoopGurlz.com. Crosby averaged 17.9 points and 5.3 assists per game in the Bronx/Manhattan AA’ Division, leading Manhattan Center to the PSAL Championship game. She played for the NYC Gauchos and NY Gazelles on the AAU level.
“China is the quintessential point guard and very highly regarded in this class,” Ryan said. “She can direct a team, lead a team and score and her decision-making is exceptional.”
Simone Egwu (Odenton, Md.), a 6-3 center out of Arundel High School, is the 15th-ranked center in the class according to Collegiate Girls Basketball Report. Last season, Egwu led Arundel to the Class 4A state championship game by averaging 16.1 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. A first team All-Metro selection by The Baltimore Sun, Egwu played AAU basketball with for Boo Williams Elite.
“Simone Egwu is a very powerful, athletic low-post player,” Ryan said. “She is one of the best post players in this class because she is well-rounded, can score in traffic and defend.”
Lexie Gerson (Fort Washington, Pa.), a 5-11 guard out of The Peddie School (N.J.), is ranked as the No. 6 shooting guard and No. 26 overall player in the class by Collegiate Girls Basketball Report. She played AAU basketball for the Philadelphia Belles.
“Lexie Gerson is another highly regarded player in this class. She is an extremely athletic wing whose size and skill level is outstanding,” Ryan said. “She will be counted on to put points on the board every night.”
Telia McCall (Marietta, Ga.), a 6-1 small forward, played for Marietta High School and the Georgia Metros AAU program. She was a first team all-state selection by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2007.
“Telia McCall is a sleeping giant in this class,” Ryan said. “Telia’s best assets are her versatility and her athleticism. She will give us another scoring punch inside and out.”
Erinn Thompson (Winston-Salem, N.C.), a 6-4 center/forward out of Bishop McGuiness High School, is the No. 21 overall player and eighth-best post player according to HoopGurlz.com and has been named to the Preseason McDonald’s All-American team. Thompson has led Bishop McGuiness to three-straight state championships and as a junior averaged 14.7 points, 12.1 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game. Thompson played for the Winston-Salem Stealers on the AAU level and was twice named the North Carolina player of the year.
“Erinn Thompson is a highly skilled, low-post player with exceptional footwork and the ability to go inside and outside and score in a number of ways,” Ryan said. “Ranked among the best players in this class, Erinn will be a huge asset to our program.”
The Cavaliers begin the 2008-09 season with a Friday night contest against High Point. Tip-off from John Paul Jones Arena is slated for 7 p.m.