PSU men's basketball signs two new recruits

Ed DeChellis and the Penn State men's basketball team signed two high school recruits yesterday, David Jackson and Andrew Jones III, on the first day of the early signing period.

Jackson, a 6-foot-7, 190-pound forward, earned first team All-State honors last season at Kennedy Catholic High School in Farrell, Pa. During that season he averaged 17.6 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game in helping bring his team to the PIAA Class A championship game.

A three-year starter and third-team All-State selection in 2004, Jackson figures to add versatility to the Nittany Lions program, as he has played all five positions at Kennedy Catholic.

Like Jackson, Jones is a forward at 6-foot-8 and 190 pounds, and earned a number of honors. Last season at Abington Friends School, he was a first team All-League (Friends School League) and second team All-Montgomery County selection while averaging 12 points, six rebounds and three blocks per game.

Jones' basketball history is not as lengthy as Jackson's, with last year being his third of organized play. Penn State men's basketball coach Ed DeChellis said in a press release Jones is just learning how to play, but possesses strong athleticism.

"We have added two outstanding young men who possess great athletic ability," DeChellis said in a press release. "They will both bring a great deal to our program."

Lady Lions get letters from two prep players

As the early signing period began yesterday, the Penn State women's basketball team received letters of intent from two high school players.

Tyra Grant of Youngstown, Ohio, and Meggan Quinn of Red Lion, Pa., both committed to play for the Nittany Lions in the 2006-2007 season.

"Meggan and Tyra will continue the great tradition of terrific guards here at Penn State," Penn State women's basketball head coach Rene Portland said in a press release. "Both of them are very close to breaking the 2,000 mark at their schools. They will be poised to help us immediately."

Grant, a 5-11 shooting guard from Ursuline High School, was a 2005 All-State selection in Ohio after averaging 27 points and 12.5 rebounds per game as a junior.

Rated the No. 34 senior in the nation by Scout.com, Quinn led her team to an Ohio Division III State championship during her sophomore season.

Quinn, a 5-8 shooting guard from Red Lion Area High School, averaged 17.9 points and 2.9 steals per game last season. As a Pennsylvania Class AAAA second-team All-State selection, Quinn also was also named to the District III All-Star team and the York County First Team.