Texas Tech University Athletics
Dean, Sanders Sign with Lady Raiders
November 12, 2014 | Women's Basketball
Nov. 12, 2014
LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech women's basketball and head coach Candi Whitaker announced on Wednesday that Japreece Dean and Zuriel Sanders signed national letters of intent on Wednesday that will bring them to the South Plains in the 2015 fall.
"I am so happy to welcome Japreece and Zuri to the Lady Raider family," Whitaker said. "Both of these kids were big-time recruits and it's huge to get these types of players signed early. Our staff worked extremely hard to recruit both of them because they fit needs that we have for the future."
Dean and Sanders are both ranked in the 2015 Top 120 by Dan Olson and ESPN.com and will be valuable in replacing seniors Kelsi Baker, Amber Battle and Audrisa Harrison following the 2014-15 season.
Both players averaged more than 18 points per game in their junior seasons and have the ability to have an impact on both ends of the floor for the Lady Raiders over the next few years.
| Signee | Pos | Ht | Hometown | School |
| Japreece Dean | PG | 5-6 | Cedar Park, Texas | Vista Ridge HS (Texas) |
| Zuriel Sanders | W/F | 6-0 | Evansville, Ind. | Central HS (Indiana) |
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JAPREECE DEAN |  |
| PG | 5-6 | CEDAR PARK, TEXAS - VISTA RIDGE HS |
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Vista Ridge HS --Dean is the No. 78 overall recruit in the 2015 class according to ESPN and Dan Olson and No. 24 point guard ... Averaged 18 points and 4.2 assists per game in 2013-14 while recording three, 30-point performances ... She was named to the Texas Athletics Basketball Coaches 4A All-State Team in 2013 and 2014 ... First Team All-District, Hill Country News Newcomer of the Year, and All-Region Team while helping Vista Ridge to the Region IV Finals ... Junior Year: First Team All District 25-4A, First Team All-Region, First Team All-State ... Sophomore Year: MVP District 25-4A, First Team All-Region, First Team All-State, First Team All-Centex ...Freshman Year: First Team All District 25-4A, Newcomer of the Year, First Team All-State, First Team All Region ... Played AAU ball with Team Xpress with Clarissa Davis-Wrightsil ... chose Texas Tech over Kansas State, West Virginia and Utah. "I love Japreece's love for the game and her passion and work ethic to be great. She has tremendous athleticism and skill which allows her to score in so many different ways. She distributes the ball well and can get up and defend the ball." - Texas Tech Head Coach Candi Whitaker "Has tremendous ball handling skills. She has quick feet which helps her defend her opponent. A disciplined point guard with great speed. She loves to distribute, and shoot when the opportunity arises." - Joey Simmons, Premier Basketball Report
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Guns Up. pic.twitter.com/c7evWMHxDJ
— Premier Basketball (@jdeandPBR) November 12, 2014 |
ZURIEL SANDERS |  |
| W/F | 6-0 | EVANSVILLE, IND. - CENTRAL HS |
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Central HS --Sanders was ranked as the No. 19 forward by ESPN and Dan Olson ... Ranked No. 13 overall in state of Indiana ... Junior Year: Averaged 18.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game while hitting 51.5 percent from the floor inside the arc and also had 70 steals last season ... First Team All-Conference, First Team All-Metro, IBCA/Subway Girls Underclass All-State Honorable Mention, AP All-State Honorable Mention, Junior Classic Indiana All-Star ... Sophomore Year: Averaged 12.5 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game ... First Team All-Metro, Second Team All-Conference ... Academic All-City ... AP All-State Honorable Mention, USJN Gateway Challenge All Star ... Freshman Year: Second Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Metro, Academic All-City, USJN Gateway Challenge All-Star ... Played AAU ball with Indiana Elite-Swish for Phil Kessler ... chose Texas Tech over Ole Miss and Marquette. "Zuri is another tremendous athlete and versatile scorer that brings great size with her body that's college-ready. She has a high motor and is the type of kid that will run through walls for us. She's a great defender and rebounder and continues to work hard in the gym." - Texas Tech Head Coach Candi Whitaker "Strong, athletic perimeter performer with pro-frame competes on glass, finishes vs. contact in post traffic; breaks down defender in midpost with soft touch; faceup game extends to the arc; power game in the paint yields results; high motor effort." - Dan Olson, Girls Basketball Report
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Welcome to the family! @Zurisanders30 pic.twitter.com/8P0H7j8w7f
— Candace Whitaker (@CWhitakerTTU) November 12, 2014
