LA Tech Women’s Basketball signs pair to open early signing period

RUSTON – Louisiana Tech head coach Brooke Stoehr announced a pair of signees during the first day of the early signing period as Arcadia High School forward DeAndre’a Alexander and Blount (Ala.) High School forward Brianna Harris both signed their NLIs on Wednesday.

“We are very pleased with the two young women joining our program,” said Stoehr. “They have been very successful both academically and athletically and will represent the Lady Techsters very well. We are thrilled with what they bring to our roster with their skill sets and what they bring to the court.

“I am certainly appreciative of my staff and support staff in the work they’ve done assembling this 2018 class. We are looking forward to watching DeAndre’a and Brianna wear the Lady Techster uniform over the next four years.”

Alexander enters her fifth year lettering for the Arcadia varsity. She led the Hornets to the Louisiana Class A state title last season, defeating Merryville 66-62 in the title game. She scored 15 points in the championship game while averaging 16 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks on the season.

“We are very excited to be adding DeAndre’a to the Louisiana Tech family,” said Stoehr. “She is going to add depth, size and strength to our roster.  She has the ability to run the floor and defend multiple positions.

“DeAndre’a has been a part of a successful high school program and understands the work it takes to win.  She has a desire to be successful academically and athletically and has proven so throughout her high school career.”

She is a three-time all-district honoree and has also lettered in softball and track and field at Arcadia. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Beta Club and currently ranks fourth in her class at Arcadia.

“I committed to Louisiana Tech because I love the atmosphere and I felt like I was a part of the family since my visit,” said Alexander. “The coaches were consistent. They showed me that they wanted me to play for their team. I am very happy with the decision I made and can’t wait to play for the Lady Techsters next year.”

Harris lettered four years for coach Kimyatta Perry at Mattie T. Blount High School in Mobile, Alabama. As a junior she averaged 14.9 points, 9.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game for the Leopards.

“We couldn’t be more proud to welcome Brianna to the Lady Techster family,” said Stoehr. “She has the ability to play on the perimeter as well as with her back to the basket. Her versatility will be a huge asset in how we want to play both offensively and defensively.

“She can shoot the 3 as well as use her strength on the boards and in the paint.  Brianna is a very conscientious student and competes very well in the classroom and on the court. She is a tremendous fit for our program and Louisiana Tech.”

Harris is a three-time all-region, all-area and all-county selection and was named honorable mention all-state and to the Alabama All-Coastal team. Also a member of the varsity volleyball team, she is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society.

“I chose Louisiana Tech because I enjoyed being around the coaches and players,” said Harris. “It is a family atmosphere and I felt at home.”

Tech opens its season Friday at 11 a.m. against Grambling State at the Thomas Assembly Center.