Nov. 11, 2010
Tulsa, Oklahoma -
Braylah Blakely and Mariah Turner signed national letters-of-intent with the Tulsa women's basketball team today, as announced by Head Coach
Charlene Thomas-Swinson.
"Both Braylah and Mariah will be able to give us more athleticism at the post and forward positions," Thomas-Swinson said. "Blakely can play the 3 and 4 positions, she can shoot the three, she can drive off the dribble and she can rebound. Mariah is a force in the paint and she can score with her back to the basket. We are excited to get both of these young ladies. They are definitely going to help us next season."
Blakely is a 6'0" guard from Cedar Hill High School in Cedar Hill, Texas. She averaged 10 points and nine rebounds per game as a junior, and pulled down a school-best 27 rebounds in a single game. She has been a three-year starter, and picked up all-district first team honors as a junior and second-team accolades as a sophomore. This year, Blakely is a McDonald's All-America nominee.
"Braylah is a very athletic, high-intensity player," CHHS Head Girls Coach Andrea Robinson said. "She can go inside-out, knock down shots, and she handles the ball well and defends the ball very well. Her athleticism will allow her to contribute tremendously and she is a beast on the boards."
A 6'2" forward from Norman North High School in Norman, Okla., Turner averaged 14 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals while shooting 64.5-percent from the field as a junior. She is a three-year starter, and has set the school record in single-season rebounds with 249, and for rebounds in a single game with 18. Turner is a two-time, all-Mid-State Conference honoree, was the MVP of the John Marshall Tournament and has been named to multiple all-tournament teams.
"Mariah is a great kid," NNHS Head Girls Coach Jeff Blough said. "She is a tremendous person and player, she works hard every day and gets better every day, and is a great teammate and leader both on and off the court. Mariah runs like a guard and is a good offensive and defensive rebounder."
2011-12 Signees
Name - Height - Position - Hometown (High School)
Braylah Blakely - 6'0" - Guard - Cedar Hill, Texas (Cedar Hill)
Mariah Turner - 6'2" - Forward - Norman, Okla. (Norman North)
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