SLU completes 2018-19 early signing class with addition of Loranger’s Sydney Rivers

HAMMOND, La. – Post player Sydney Rivers will continue her academic and athletic endeavors as a member of the Southeastern Louisiana women’s basketball program beginning in the 2018-19 season, Lady Lion head coach Ayla Guzzardo announced on Monday.

After opening the 2018-19 signing period with a pair of out-of-state additions to add to the backcourt corps, Guzzardo and her staff capped the early signings with a local post player. The 6-1 Rivers is currently in her senior season at nearby Loranger High School.

Rivers will be one of three true freshmen on the Lady Lion roster next season. Last week, Guzzardo announced the additions of guards Kania Lasker-Rouse (Little Rock, Arkansas) and Jada Marone (Cleveland, Ohio).

Rivers’ future teammates will be back in action on Wednesday. The Lady Lions will be at Cincinnati for a 6 p.m. (Central) contest. Live video and stats, provided by the host Bearcats, will be accessible on the women’s basketball schedule page at www.LionSports.net.

2018-19 Southeastern Louisiana Women’s Basketball Signing Class
Kania Lasker-Rouse, 5-6, G, Little Rock, Ark., Parkview Magnet HS
Jada Marone, 5-4, G, Cleveland, Ohio, Berea-Midpark HS
Sydney Rivers, 6-1, F/C, Loranger, La., Loranger HS

2018-19 Southeastern Louisiana Women’s Basketball Signee Profiles
Sydney Rivers, 6-1, F/C, Loranger, La., Loranger HS
Honorable mention Class 4A All-State performer in 2016-17 at Loranger High School … Also was named first team All-District 6-4A as a junior for the Lady Wolves … Plays for the Kenner Angels AAU team.
Southeastern head coach Ayla Guzzardo on Rivers: “Sydney comes from a great local high school program at Loranger. She’s a hard worker who is very dedicated to her game. Sydney comes from a great family and is very invested into our program already. We’re fortunate to have her join our program for the next four years.”

Kania Lasker-Rouse, 5-5, G, Little Rock, Ark., Parkview Magnet HS
Helped Parkview Magnet High School to a state championship game appearance as a junior … Earned All-State honors as a sophomore … Plays for the Mavs Joe Johnson Elite AAU program.
Guzzardo on Lasker-Rouse: “Kania is a pure scorer who can get to the rim with ease. She’s a consistent three-point shooter and we were impressed with her work ethic. Kania comes from a great family and has a great support system, so we think the sky’s the limit for her on and off the court.”

Jada Marone, 5-4, G, Cleveland, Ohio, Berea-Midpark HS
All-time leading scorer at Berea-Midpark High School heading into her senior season … Averaged 19.0 points per game as a junior on the way to earning first team All-SWA, first team All-District and third team All-State honors … Named MVP of Brunswick Holiday Hoops Tournament … Also plays for the SMAC Family AAU program.
Guzzardo on Marone: “Jada comes to us from a great high school player and is a 5-4 point guard who plays like she’s 6-0. She’s going to be a playmaker for us with her scoring and passing ability. Like Kania, she’s a consistent outside shooter. Jada’s extremely athletic and plays with a lot of energy on the defensive end. She’s going to be a great addition to our program and we’re excited to have her as a Lady Lion for the next four years.”