Three ink NLI with Privateers Women’s Hoops

Joining coach Davenport’s squad will be JUCO products Rehema Franklin and Kyla Malone and freshman Jana Thomas-Reid

NEW ORLEANS – University of New Orleans head women’s basketball coach Keeshawn Davenport announced Monday the signing of Rehema Franklin, Kyla Malone and Jana Thomas-Reid. Franklin and Malone were teammates at Pearl River Community College and Thomas-Reid will be a freshman after playing for Davis High School in Houston.

A native of New Orleans, Franklin played 21 games for Pearl River, averaging 12.6 points and 2.8 rebounds. She added 1.7 steals per game and started 14 games.

“I’m so elated to welcome Rehema home,” said Davenport. “She is a local student-athlete who had a good high school career (at Edna Karr) and went onto a successful career Pearl River Community College. Our fans will enjoy watching her on the court. She has the ability to create for others, score and defend.”

Her Pearl River teammate Kyla Malone played in 22 games and started 16. The 6-0 forward from Oxford, Miss. averaged 4.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game.

“We are grateful to have Kyla join our family,” said Davenport. “We welcome her physicality and versatility to the post position. She comes from an amazing basketball family – mother (coach at Gulf Coast Community College) and sister (all-conference selection for Louisiana Tech) and we look forward to her two seasons on the Lakefront.”

A 6-2 center for Davis High, Thomas-Reid averaged 9.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 1.3 steals. Her father Robert Reid played 13 seasons in the NBA, primarily with the Houston Rockets.

“When one mentions Jana’s name, it is hard to do so without a smile,” said Davenport. “She has a very inviting personality off the court but turns into someone else when she is on the court. Her shot blocking ability, length and athleticism makes her a great fit for our team.”

“Jana is an exceptional student athlete,” said David head coach Monique Everett. “She works hard to excel at everything she does. Her humble spirit and passion for the game and her field of study are infectious. Jana looks challenges in the eye and works her hardest to compete. I have no doubt she will accomplish great things at the next level.”

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