Coach Antoine Welcomes Two Early Signees

“This signing class is really special because each one of them are excellent students and great athletes,” Coach Z said of the early-signee class.

SAN MARCOS, Texas – With Wednesday marking the opening of the NCAA Division I women’s basketball National letter of Intent signing period, Texas State head coach Zenarae Antoine announced two student-athletes as part of the 2017-18 recruiting class. Jaela Reed and Kennedy Taylor have committed to the Bobcats to continue both their educational and basketball careers.

“This signing class is really special because each one of them are excellent students and great athletes,” Coach Z said of the early-signee class. “That combination is in line with the academic landscape that we strive for in our program.”

Jaeda Reed

Lawton, Okla./Eisenhower HS

Center | 6-1

Reed comes to Texas State by way of Lawton, Okla. and Eisenhower Senior High. For the Eagles, Reed averaged 9.2 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per contest as a sophomore.

She upped her scoring to 12.5 points per game during her junior campaign. She has been twice named to the All-Conference team and was nominated as a 5A All-State honorable mention selection following last season.

Reed plays middle blocker for the Eisenhower volleyball team and is involved in the National Honor Society, Upward Band, Key Club and the African American Club. She was also given the Lamont Wilson Courage award by St. John Missionary Baptist Church in 2015.

Antoine on Reed: “Jaeda brings us the much need depth in the low block that we have been missing. She is a true low block player that can score in a variety of ways. She has great hands and solid footwork, as she develops in the collegiate game she will be difficult to defend.”

Kennedy Taylor

Dallas, Texas/Lincoln HS

Guard | 5-3

Taylor comes to Texas State from Dallas Lincoln High School, who went 32-7 during the 2016-17 season for head coach Lajeanna Howard. Taylor led the way for the Tigers, averaging 19 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds and 4 steals per game on her way to securing her third consecutive District MVP honor.

As a junior she was tabbed as an All-State and All-Region performer. She has played for the Lady Jets in the AAU circuit for Reginald Randle and Jason Terry. On top of her basketball accolades, Taylor is a 10-4A District champion in tennis and in multiple track and field events. She earned state qualification marks on the track.

Taylor is a tremendous student as she currently ranks number one in her class, is a member of the National Honor Society, a Dale Hansen Sports Scholar and was honored at the Highest Academic Achiever Athletic Banquet.

Antoine on Taylor: “Kennedy is a dynamic point guard that forces her team to raise their level of intensity to a high standard when she is on the floor. She is an exceptional student and an exciting athlete that has the potential to break records on and off the basketball floor.”