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Cross Announces Addition of 4 to Lady Racers Class

Cross Announces Addition of 4 to Lady Racers Class
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By MSU Athletics
May. 19, 2016 | MURRAY, KY
By MSU Athletics May. 19, 2016 | 03:52 PM | MURRAY, KY
Murray State head women's basketball coach Rob Cross has announced the addition of four student-athletes who will be joining the Racers this fall. Alexandria Brown, Mary Jones, Katie Mackenzie and Jessica Organ join early signee Jessica Richards in the 2016 signing class.

Brown is a 5-6 point guard from Missouri City, Texas and played last season at Thurgood Marshall High School near Houston. In 2015-16, Brown was named to the Texas All-State Team and averaged 16 points, four assists and five steals as a senior. Brown was named to the Elite 24 Houston Area All-Star Team and was first team all-district while leading the district in points and steals.

"Alex is a tough on-ball defender and brings an aggressive defensive mindset to Racer Nation," said coach Cross.

"She has great quickness and shoots the ball extremely well from deep. An almost 50 percent career 3-point shooter, coupled with her ability to break you down off the bounce makes her a tough guard and perfect fit for our system."

Jones is a 5-7 combo guard from Lorain, Ohio near Cleveland and played last season at Dakota Community College in Bottineau, N.D. Jones was named to the NJCAA All-Region XIII Team and was a Mondak All-Conference Team member in 2015-16 after she averaged 16 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals per game for the Ladyjacks. Jones shot 42 percent from the floor and 35 percent from beyond the arc last season. Jones played her high school ball at Elyria High in Ohio where she was named to the all-area team.

"Mary's mentality is best exemplified by her rebounding ability while playing as a point guard last season," said Cross.

"She is a strong guard that has the ability to score in a variety of ways. She has a very good feel for the game and understands how to make the game easier for her teammates. Her maturity will be a big addition to our team next season."

Mackenzie is a 6-3 post from Dixon, Calif., outside of Sacramento and played at Dixon High School. Mackenzie was a two-time GEL All-League performer and was named to the 2015-16 Sacramento All-Metro Team while averaging 13.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, five blocks and three assists per game her senior season. Mackenzie totaled 118 blocks in 2015-16 and had 15 double-doubles and two games where she recorded a triple-double.

Katie is a true post player and will give us great length and depth immediately," said Cross.

"She has solid footwork and a nice touch around the basket, but it is her desire to rebound and play defense that will give her the chance to make an impact next year. Her strong character and willingness to do whatever is necessary to help her team really excites us."

Organ is a 5-6 point guard from Riverton Parke, Indiana and played at Riverton Park High School. In 2015-16, Organ was named all-state and was a First Team All-Sectional Team honoree. The three-time all-conference performer finished her career second in school history in assists, third in made 3-pointers and fifth in points. Organ helped lead the Lady Panthers to their winningest four-year stretch in school history during her four years at Riverton Parke. Organ was also a two-time selection to the Western Indiana All-Star Team.

"Jessica is an intelligent guard that will bring tenacity and toughness to the table," commented Cross.

"She is crafty on the offensive end and has a unique ability to finish around the rim for her size, coupled with tremendous shooting range. Jessica will push her teammates with her work ethic on a daily basis. She will join our team this summer after traveling to Italy with a team from the U.S."

"Alex, Mary and Jessica will bring added depth and dimension to our point guard and wing positions while Mary will bring much needed size and depth at the post position," Cross said.

"All of the young ladies that were part of this class will have a chance to contribute to our program right away. They are fantastic students and will be represent the Murray State community in an exemplary manner. We are excited to bring these talented student-athletes into the Racer Family."

These four join early signee Jessica Richards, who is a 6-2 post from Toronto, Canada, to make up a recruiting class that meets the needs of the program as it looks to build on its run to the conference semifinals last season.

"The completion of this class will provide us with the depth we need at the post and the point guard position to help continue our growth as a program as we work to bring another championship to Racer Nation," added Cross.
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"Jessica Richards and Katie Mackenzie will bring much needed size, rebounding and post defense while Alexandria, Jessica and Mary will provide depth and versatility to a talented backcourt."

 

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