Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG, Va. - The Virginia Tech Athletics Department announced Friday the signing of women's basketball players Latorri Hines-Allen, Nia Evans, Brittni Montgomery, Monet Tellier and Kyani White to national letters of intent for the 2009-2010 academic year.
“We have another outstanding recruiting class joining the Hokies next season,” said Virginia Tech head coach Beth Dunkenberger. “These five players bring an abundance of speed and athleticism to our team as well as an unbelievably competitive will to win. They are excited to be part of the Hokie family and can’t wait to experience the magic and excitement of Virginia Tech basketball in Cassell Coliseum.”
Hines-Allen, a 6-1, power forward, from Montclair, N.J., is rated as the No. 88 recruit in the nation and No. 16 among forwards. Hines-Allen averaged 14 points and 12 rebounds last season at Montclair High School for coach Jerry Citro where she led the team to a 23-6 record and the North Jersey Section 1 State Championship. Hines-Allen played AAU for Team Freckles coached by Keith Jefferson. She is currently rehabbing from a knee injury suffered during the AAU season, but is expected to be fully recovered when she arrives on the Virginia Tech campus next summer.
Evans, a 6-0, forward from Decatur, Ga., is rated as the No. 97 prospect nationally and No. 19 among forwards. She averaged 16 points, eight rebounds, three steals and two blocks as a junior at Redan High School, where she led her team to a 27-0 record and the 5A State Championship. Evans was a first-team All-Region and a second-team All-State selection. Evans also considered Alabama, Georgia Tech and Louisville.
“Forwards Nia Evans and Torri Hines-Allen are similar in that they both led their teams to state championship titles last season,” said Dunkenberger. “They are relentless on the boards and will help the Hokies lock down the paint on both ends of the court.”
Montgomery, a 6-3, power forward, from Ft. Pierce, Fla., averaged 12 points and 10 rebounds last season for coach Sophia Wheatherspoon at Ft. Pierce Central High School in leading the team to the Florida 5A Regional finals. She is rated No. 31 among power forwards nationally. Montgomery also considered South Florida.
“Brittni Montgomery is a long lean, shot-blocking machine who possesses a soft shooting touch as well,” added Dunkenberger.
Tellier, a 5-11, guard from Charlotte, N.C., is rated as the No. 54 prospect nationally and No. 14 among shooting guards. The three-time all-conference selection averaged 14 points, eight rebounds and four steals last season for coach Bradyn Monismith at East Mecklenburg High School. She led her team to a 25-5 record and the quarterfinals of the State 4A Championship. Tellier is closing in on the school’s all-time scoring record with 1,134 career points and was a member of the National Adidas Candace Parker team that traveled to Japan last summer. She also considered Clemson, Florida and NC State.
“Monet Tellier is a physical guard whose competitive spirit is immediately recognized when she steps on the court,” said Dunkenberger.
White, a 5-6, point guard from Bristow, Va., has averaged 18.4 points, 6.8 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 5.6 steals in her career for her coach and father, Nsonji White, at Stonewall Jackson High School, where she has led the team to a 69-9 record in her career. She has connected on a total of 142 three-point shots in 51 combined games the last two seasons, while accumulating 1,260 career points entering her senior season. White was a first-team All-Region and All-State selection.
“Point guard Kyani White is the best ball handler I have seen in a long time.” added Dunkenberger. “While her dribbling, passing and scoring get her noticed, her defensive intensity sets her apart.”
“All combined this group is undoubtedly one of the most athletic classes to sign at Virginia Tech,” concluded Dunkenberger.
Virginia Tech will open the 2009-10 season against Longwood Fri., Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m.