Lady Cardinals Recruiting Class Ranked No. 54 by girlsbasketballreport.com

BEAUMONT - For the second time in three seasons, the Lamar University women's basketball team has put together a highly touted recruiting class, this year being ranked  No. 54 in the country by the Collegiate Girls Basketball Report.

The Lady Cardinals stayed within their region to land five signees, mixing the transfer and junior college market in to the incoming freshman class. Head coach Larry Tidwell's first recruiting class with the LU women in 2007 was tabbed No. 31 in the country.

"Rankings are nice to have initially as it gives our program recognition throughout the country," Tidwell said.  "However, you can never really give a recruiting class a grade until at least one year of actual playing time. Also, this ranking does not include the recent addition of Monique Whittaker - a sophomore transfer from the University of Nebraska."

Impacting the Southland Conference is Jenna Plumley (5-4, PG, Red Rock, Okla./Oklahoma), a feisty floor-leader that spent two season at national powerhouse Oklahoma.  Plumley's leadership experience gives Lamar a solid backcourt manager.

 Danielle Heithoff (6-2, PF, Bullard, Texas/Bullard), a vastly developing and versatile performer will give depth and presence in the post while adding a scoring threat to the perimeter.  Heithoff, relocated from Minnesota in 2007, earned 3A All-State honors as well in 2009.  Heithoff is ranked #319 nationally by the Collegiate Girls Basketball Report.

Alexsandra Miletic (6-2, PF, Carl Albert JC), ranked No. 100 overall by the Collegiate Girls Basketball Report gives the Cardinals a versatile threat with a European flair.  Miletic can face up to the 3-point line and also play with her back to the basket.  Her size and mobility in transition also lend positive traits to her game.

Taylor Hays (5-10, Aledo, TX/Aledo) brings a fundamental style of play to the perimeter with range to the arc.  A consistent performer, Hays earned All-District honors in 2009.

Jasmine Henderson (5-9, SG, Missouri City, Texas/Dulles), ranked No. 137 overall by the Collegiate Girls Basketball Report brings a solid midrange game to Beaumont.  Henderson earned 5A All-Region honors in 2009.

Tidwell, entering his third year at Lamar, addressed needs in a variety of ways by solidifying his backcourt with a proven leader and size on the perimeter that will stretch defenses. His inside duo of Heithoff and Miletic will provide Tidwell with versatility in the post with face up skills to the arc, fitting Lamar's style appropriately.

"I really like this class as it can definitely score, defend, and play in transition," Tidwell noted. "I feel that we addressed all of our needs and set a solid foundation for the future in the signing of three Texas high school products as well as adding another international player with 3 years of eligibility. With Plumley, we get two years of having an experienced NCAA Tournament player who has the potential to take over a game.

"With the addition of these players for next year, we will have depth that we have never had since my arrival at Lamar in 2007."

Dan Olson, owner and director of the Collegiate Girls Basketball Report, and who ranks the Top 10 recruiting classes for USA Today, can be reached at www.girlsbasketballreport.com