SOUTHEASTERN INKS PLAQUEMINE GUARD JENKINS TO NLI FOR 2008-09

[Guest abovetherim]

HAMMOND - Southeastern Louisiana University head women's basketball coach Lori Davis Jones announced the signing of Plaquemine High guard Kelli Jenkins to a National Letter Intent to continue her athletic and academic career at Southeastern on the first day of the 2008-09 early signing period Wednesday.

Jenkins, a 5-6 point guard, is expected to add speed and athleticism to the Lady Lions after she completes her senior year at PHS. An honorable mention All-State performer last season, Jenkins will have an immediate impact on the Southeastern program.

In addition to her All-State honors, Jenkins was an All-District 8-3A, All-Iberville Parish and All-Baton Rouge Metro selection last season, leading her team to a 23-8 record and a district runner-up finish to eventual state champion Capitol.

Jenkins posted per game averages of 15.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.8 steals during the 2006-07 season. She scored in double figures in all but three games, including the final 19 contests of the season.

Jones and her staff believe Jenkins is one of the state's most underrated players and can be an immediate contributor to the Southeastern program.

"Kelli is a dynamic, explosive point guard who will be an excellent addition to our program and an immediate impact player," Jones commented. "Her speed, quickness and agility will greatly enhance our backcourt play.

"We continue to try to add players with not only talent, but character as well and Kelli fits that mold," Jones added. "Watching her play, she remains composed and focused no matter what situation she faces. With her blend of talent and attitude, we expect Kelli to adjust very quickly to the collegiate game. We're very excited to have a player and person of Kelli's caliber choose to be a part of our program for the next four years."

Jones is not the only one who expects Jenkins to adjust quickly to the collegiate level. Plaquemine High School girls basketball coach Cormanda Grace-Green also speaks highly of Jenkins' future in the green and gold.

"Kelli has been a very valuable asset to our program since she was a freshman. She does an excellent job of controlling the tempo of the game," Grace-Green stated. "Kelli has the ability to step in immediately and be a force for the Lady Lions. She plays with a quiet determination and can make a play in the blink on an eye. We're very excited that she has the opportunity to continue her career as part of the Southeastern Louisiana program."

While the 2007-08 Lady Lion squad is Jones' youngest in her six years at Southeastern, Jenkins will join a more seasoned Southeastern outfit in 2008-09. The Lady Lions will lose only two seniors following the current campaign and next season's roster will feature five seniors.

This season's version of the Lady Lions will look to improve to 2-1 on Friday when they face Memphis at 7 p.m. in a non-conference road game.

2008-09 Southeastern Louisiana Women;s Basketball Signees

Kelli Jenkins, 5-6, G, Plaquemine, La., Plaquemine HS