Coach DeChellis added to the size and athleticism of his squad with the addition of forward David Jackson (6-foot-7 forward from Kennedy Catholic HS, Farrell, Pa.) and Andrew Jones, III (6-foot-8 forward from Abington Friends HS, Philadelphia, Pa.).
Coach Portland added Tyra Grant (5-foot-11 shooting guard from Youngstown, Ohio) and Meggan Quinn (5-foot-8 shooting guards from Red Lion, Pa.).
Coach Portland talked about her two player additions, saying, "Meggan and Tyra will continue the great tradition of terrific guards here at Penn State," said head coach Rene Portland. "Both of them are very close to breaking the 2,000 mark at their schools. They will be poised to help us immediately."
Coach DeChellis talked about his newest players, saying, "We have added two outstanding young men who possess great athletic ability. They will both bring a great deal to our program."
Jackson is projected as a forward but played all five positions in high school at Kennedy Catholic, a team that had a 24-7 record and reached the PIAA Class A title game last year.
"David is an outstanding prospect with great athletic ability that will help him to play several positions for us," DeChellis said. "He comes from a very successful high school program with great tradition and is a great addition to our basketball family."
Jackson averaged 17.6 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game as a junior and was a first team All-State selection. He was also a three-year starter.
As Jackson said, "I felt like it was family there. Every time I visited there, I didn't want to go home."
Jones, who is projected as a small or power forward or power forward, averaged 12 points, six rebounds and three blocks for an Abington Friends School team that posted a 19-10 record and lost by a point in the championship game.
Jones was a first team All-League selection and a second team All-Montgomery County pick.
"Andrew possesses great athletic ability and his explosiveness around the basket is outstanding," DeChellis said. "He affects the game in many ways."
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