FAIRFAX, Va. - In her fifth year at the helm of the program, George Mason women's basketball head coach Jeri Porter announced the signing of three National Letters of Intent for the 2013-14 season. Comprising the signing class are Chardell Dunningan (Twinsburg, Ohio/Twinsburg), Brittany Jackson (Potomac, Md./Bullis School) and Denisha Petty-Evans (Bridgewater, N.J./Bridgewater Raritan Regional).

A 6'2" center/forward who helped lead the Tigers to consecutive Division I state titles, Dunningham posted 5.1 points and 4.0 rebounds per game as a junior last season. Twinsburg finished the season with an overall record of 25-3 and became only the third team in Ohio to win two straight state titles. Following her junior campaign, she was named Honorable Mention All-Conference.

"Chardell is not only a great basketball player, but she is a great person and comes from a great family," commented Twinsburg High School head coach Julie Solis. "I believe after being a part of a winning tradition here, she is a winner and she will continue to bring that presence with her wherever she goes. On the floor, her physical presence and ability to run the floor will be a great asset."

As a sophomore, Dunningham helped lead the Tigers to a perfect 27-0 overall record and 10-0 league record while averaging 3.5 points per game and 3.0 rebounds per game.

"Chardell may be the steal of this class," remarked Porter. "It's impossible to see Chardell and not be impressed with her length and her frame - combine that with her versatility as a post player who can face up and hit the 15-foot jumper as well as score with her back to the basket, she will be quite a force in the CAA."

Ranked No. 92 by ESPNHS HoopGurlz basketball prospects, Jackson is a 5'7" guard from Potomac, Md. that helped lead the Bullis School to a 20-7 overall record her junior season and 9-2 league mark. As a junior, Jackson averaged 10.0 points, 3.0 steals, 1.5 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game. Tabbed the team's MVP following her freshman season, Jackson was also named All-League in 2010.

"Brittany is a tough, savvy guard who plays the game with a confident and aggressive attitude," noted Porter. "We really liked her versatility on the perimeter and her ability to hit the open three as well as attack the rim off the bounce. She is a terrific example of our efforts to retain the talented local kids and keep them here at home."

A 5'9" versatile guard, Petty-Evans averaged 14.9 points, 5.3 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game as a junior at Bridgewater Raritan Regional High School. The sharp-shooting guard recorded double digits in 25 games last season. As a junior, she was named All-Area, All-Defensive First Team, All-Area Somerset First Team and Third Team Star-Ledger. A versatile guard that hits the mid-range shot very well according to high school coach Dorcus Miller, Petty-Evans helped lead Raritan to a 16-11 record in 2011-12.

"I think she'll bring a lot of energy to the team because she brings energy to every game," stated Miller. "She is a very good defensive stopper and her quickness allows her to dish out the ball and score on her own. She has a very positive attitude and I think she will adjust very well to George Mason."

Also named All-Defensive, All-Area Third Team and All-Area Somerset Second Team after her sophomore season, Petty-Evans averaged 7.9 points, 3.5 assists and 3.0 rebounds in 2010. As a freshman, she earned Co-MVP award for the Panthers.

"Denisha first caught my attention on the defensive side of the ball," Porter stated. "The high priority that we place on defense in our program makes us take a close look at kids who value defense on the high school level. Her length and athleticism at 5'9" make her an excellent defender on and off the ball and that combined with her ability to consistently knock down the open three will make her a great fit in our system.