Two local players highlighted the group of four who signed with the TCU women's basketball team yesterday.
Aledo guard Hannah Christian (5-7) signed along with Mansfield Summit forward Brandy "Starr" Crawford (6-0). Joining them was forward DeLisa Gross (6-2) of Waco Midway and Ida Preetzmann, a 5-foot-9 guard from Denmark.
"I like this class a lot. This group is very good basketball players,'' TCU coach Jeff Mittie said. "I say that cause they're just all around good players. They understand the game, they're athletic enough to go get their own shots, they've been leaders within their own programs. We're very excited about them choosing TCU."
Here's a quick look at each signee:
G Hannah Christian (5-7), Aledo
Breakdown: Has averaged over 21 points per game twice in her career, won District 8-4A MVP honors last season and guided the Ladycats to 31 wins and a spot in the regional quarterfinals.
Mittie's take: "Hannah is a physical guard and a tough competitor. She has the ability to score 30 points on one night and be the leader in dishing out assists to her teammates the next. We expect her to fit in very well in a combo guard role at TCU."
F Brandy "Starr" Crawford (6-0), Mansfield Summit
Breakdown: All-state player who was named 4-5A MVP last season, averaged 14.5 points and 11.2 rebounds per game, and helped the Lady Jaguars to a 30-8 record.
Mittie's take: "Starr is another very physical player in this class. She has a great knack for getting to the glass and being able to come down with the rebound, as well as a great nose for the ball defensively. We also like her scoring potential inside."
F DeLisa Gross (6-2), Waco Midway
Breakdown: Averaged 11.4 points and 5.5 rebounds per game last year and helped guide her team to the 16-4A district title. She was rated No.81 overall in the nation by the All-Star Girls Report.
Mittie's take: "DeLisa is a versatile player. She can block shots, is an active defender and can shoot the three, in addition to her ability to go inside and provide points there. We also like her ability to shoot the mid-range jumper."
G Ida Preetzman (5-9), Denmark
Breakdown: Played for Denmark's under-18 national team, averaged 19.4 points per game at the 2008 European under-18 championships.
Mittie's take: "Ida is another physical guard who can shoot the three. She possesses good rebounding skils and is a very effective player in the open floor."
-Trae Thompson
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