Nov. 11, 2016
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa -- The Penn State women's basketball program and head coach Coquese Washington announced the addition of a pair of standouts from Michigan in guard Kamaria McDaniel (Inkster, Mich.) and forward Alisia Smith (Lansing, Mich.).
"I am so excited to have Alisia and Kamaria join the Penn State family as members of Lady Lion basketball," said Washington. "They are two high-level players who will be impact players in our program. Both are accomplished students, have outstanding work ethics, and an incredible love for the game. Our fans are going to love cheering them on."
A quick-footed guard, McDaniel helped Robichaud High School to a pair of Western Wayne Athletic Conference titles as a sophomore and junior and enters her senior season with over 700 career points. In her junior campaign, she averaged 24.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game, helping the Bulldogs win district and regional titles, both firsts in school history.
"Kamaria is a talented, athletic combo guard who can succeed at any of the guard positions," said Washington. "An accomplished scorer in high school, she will be a powerful and productive addition to our guard play. Adding her speed and 3-point shooting ability to our roster will certainly add a boost."
The 5-foot-10 McDaniel is one of the top prospects in the state of Michigan and ranks No. 30 nationally at her position according to ESPN Hoopgurlz. Playing an up-tempo style offense, McDaniel averaged 20.2 points per game during her sophomore season, as well.
A two-time all-state performer, she notched Honorable Mention Class B All-State honors as a sophomore and was a third team selection as a junior. Her resume also includes a pair of first team all-conference and all-city honors, two all-district nods and a first team all-region selection as a junior.
A forward with good touch around the rim, Smith has also refined her craft as a shot blocker at Waverly High School. The 6-foot-3 forward has the athleticism to run the floor in transition, while also flashing the ability to step out and hit the jumper. Her junior season included 17.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocked shots per game, along with 14 steals and 12 assists.
"Alisia is a versatile, athletic forward who can score the ball in a variety of ways," Washington said. "She will bring speed, shot-blocking prowess, energy and depth to our post play. There is no question her best basketball is ahead of her. It's exciting to think of all the different ways she will contribute to our success once she gets under the tutelage of Coach [Tamika] Jeter."
Among the top prospects in Michigan, Smith enters her senior season ranked among the best players at her position, as well. She ranks No. 14 in the ESPN Hoopgurlz rankings and No. 27 according to Collegiate Girls Basketball Report. She earned First Team All-Capital Area Conference and Class A All-Area honors following her junior season.
The Lady Lions will open the 2016-17 season open Friday, Nov. 11 when they travel to Philadelphia to take on Drexel at the Daskalakis Athletic Center. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m.