Texas State Women’s Basketball Inks Two Early Signees
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 2016-17 recruiting class. Avionne Alexander and Jayla Johnson have committed to the Bobcats to continue both their educational and basketball careers.
“In the class of 2017, we were able to be really selective in our recruiting. I am very excited to add Jayla and Avionne to our Texas State women’s basketball program,” said Antoine. “They both come from state championship programs and that is key to maintaining a winning culture.”
Avionne Alexander
Sunnyvale, Texas/Sunnyvale HS
Guard | 5-8
Alexander comes to Texas State after earning a trio of District 12-3A All-District first team nods along with District Offensive MVP honors for the 2015-16 season. She was named Texas Association of Basketball Coaches 3A Region III First Team as both a sophomore and junior, while also earning First Team 3A All-State plaudits by the Texas Girls Coaches Association and Texas Association of Basketball Coaches her junior season. She averaged 11.1 points and 6.9 rebounds per game as a sophomore in leading the Raiders to the 2015 state championship and a 37-2 overall record. As a junior, she averaged 19 points, six rebounds and three assists per game in guiding Sunnyvale to the Region 2 playoffs. She plays AAU basketball with the Dallas-based Urban Heroes program. Alexander is also a National Honor Society member and competes on the Sunnyvale track & field team.
Antoine on Alexander: “Avionne has been on our radar for some time. I most appreciate her ability to adapt to any situation and give it her best. I know she will make an immediate impact our program with her ability to defend and play multiple positions. She comes from a coaching family, which has not only prepared her for the rigors of basketball but the academic rigors of being a student-athlete, as well. I look forward to her arrival next year.”
Jayla Johnson
Dallas, Texas/Duncanville HS
Forward | 6-2
Johnson comes to Texas State from Duncanville High School where she is coached by Cathy Self-Morgan, who has led the Pantherettes to three of the last five 6A Texas State Championships and the No. 2 national ranking in the final 2016 USA Today Super 25. Johnson has played club ball with the Urban Heroes and the Texas Preps Elite programs. She is also a member of the Duncanville HS track & field team and a National Technical Honor Society member.
Antoine on Johnson: “When first Jayla you are greeted by her infectious smile and can-do attitude. It is that positive attitude and willingness to be her best that is most welcoming. From a skill stand point, Jayla is a great athlete and excellent rebounder. She has also developed a nice face-up game that allows her to stretch defenses. Jayla has been fortunate to be well coached at the interscholastic level and I am happy that she is a part of our Bobcat Family.”
