May 15, 2008

Kenya Middlebrooks Signs with Women's Basketball

    Youngstown – The Youngstown State women’s basketball team has signed Kenya Middlebrooks (Toledo, Ohio) to a National Letter of Intent to join the program for the 2008-09 season, Head Coach Cindy Martin announced Thursday.

    Middlebrooks, a 5-foot, 8-inch guard from Toledo Waite High School, is the second player in a week to sign with the Penguins.

    “Kenya is a very athletic guard that is a true defensive stopper,” Martin said. “She will make an immediate impact in our transition game and our full-court pressure defense.  She also has the ability to put the ball on the floor and attack the rim.”

    “Kenya is coming from a great high school program where she has already been taught the fundamentals of the game,” Martin added.

    A three-year starter and four-year letterwinner, Middlebrooks helped Waite to two conference championships and the school’s first regional appearance in 2007.

    Last season, the Division I third-team all-district selection averaged 10 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.

    Middlebrooks was impressed by Martin’s commitment to academics and expectations for the program.

    “The coaches stressed that grades and success in the classroom will always come first,” Middlebrooks said. “The coaching staff has high expectations for the program and I know they will work very hard every step of the way.  I am excited about experiencing college life as a member of the YSU women’s basketball team.”

    Middlebrooks also liked YSU’s proximity to her hometown.

    “I chose YSU because it wasn’t too far from home, the size was just right and I felt comfortable when I visited campus.  The players and coaches were nice and I’m excited about getting to know my teammates better for the upcoming season.”

    Middlebrooks joins Macey Nortey (Long Beach, Calif.) and Camisha Alexander (Beckley, W.Va.), who signed during the early signing period, in the 2008-09 recruiting class.