Nov. 19, 2003

FAIRFAX, VA...Nov. 19, 2003...George Mason University's head women's basketball coach Debbie Taneyhill has announced that five student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent to play for the 2004-05 Patriot basketball squad.

The signees include Casey Quigley (G, 5-10, Burke, VA/Lake Braddock), Keyhana Wakefield (5-8, G, Albany, NY/Colonie), Whitney Ward (G/F, 6-0, Columbia, MD/Long Reach), Jessica Smith (F, 6-1, Dartmouth, MA/Dartmouth) and Erika Hussa (C, 6-3, Fairfax, VA/Robinson).

"We are really pleased to sign such a quality recruiting class in November, which includes outstanding basketball players and excellent students," said Taneyhill. "We have a great senior class leaving our program and hopefully this group of incoming freshmen can match and exceed the seniors' accomplishments."

Casey Quigley

Averages 11.0 points per game at Lake Braddock...has 779 points, 297 rebounds and 376 assists in her high school career...was named 2003 Northern Region MVP...named to the all-patriot district team...team was Northern Region champions for the first time in 14 years in 2003...played for the AAU team, Vogues...all-district in field hockey.

"Casey is a great athlete with the perfect mentality," said Taneyhill. "Her work ethic and leadership skills are outstanding and she will bring size and great floor presence to the court as one of our guards."

Keyhana Wakefield

Averages 16.4 ppg, 3.5 rebounds per game, 2.1 steals per game and 5.5 assists per game at Colonie...registered a quadruple-double during junior season with 10 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists and 11 steals...earned Big-10 player of the year honors junior season...named first team all-area junior year...Sec II Class A all-tournament team junior season...ranked as one of the top-25 guards in the country by All-Star Girls Report...played for AAU team, Uncle Sam Lady Hoopsters.

"Keyhana is an outstanding guard with great speed and quicknes," said Taneyhill. "Keyhana can score, pass and defend and will be a great fit for our offense. She was highly recruited and we are excited to have her join the Mason basketball program."

Whitney Ward

Averages 13.0 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 1.0 apg and 2.0 spg at Long Reach...poured in 277 points and grabbed 199 rebounds junior season...team recorded a 15-8 overall record with a loss in the state playoffs during 2003...played for AAU team, Maryland Waves, which played in the national championship tournament in 2002.

"Whitney is a combo guard/forward who can play several positions," said Taneyhill. "Whitney can be very explosive on the floor and can get to the hoop. She is an excellent rebounder who can get out and run the floor."

Jessica Smith

Averages 14.0 ppg and 9.0 rpg at Dartmouth...has 600+ career high school points...led team in scoring, rebounds, blocks and shooting percentage junior year...Dartmouth played in the Division I sectional finals in 2003...earned Eastern Athletic Conference All-Star honors 2001, 2002 and 2003...named in the top-100 of the All-Star Girls Report by position...played for AAU team, R.I. Breakers.

"Jess is tough and talented, can finish well around the hoop and can hit shots on the perimeter," said Taneyhill. "Jess has a great work ethic and will be so committed to our program. She is a versatile forward who can play several spots for us."

Erika Hussa

Local product from Fairfax, VA...plays center at Robinson...stands at 6-3...played for AAU team, Lessons Learned.

"Erika brings us size and physical presence to our center position," said Taneyill. "Erika is an excellent defender in the post and runs the floor really well for someone with her size. She had a great summer of AAU basketball and we expect big things of Erika."