Midwestern State coach Noel Johnson announced the additions of Shambreka Jones,
Janae McJunkins and Rhea Levy to the 2012-13 roster Tuesday
afternoon.
"This year's recruiting are not only strong players, but they
are great people and very strong in the classroom," Johnson said. "They will be
a good compliment to the core that we are returning."
Jones transfers to
MSU from Charleston Southern, a member of Division's Southern Conference, where
she appeared in 19 games as a reserve forward.
The 6-1 forward averaged
1.4 points and 1.9 rebounds in 6.7 minutes per game, but produced a pair of
great performances for the Buccaneers.
She netted a double-double with
11 points and 10 rebounds against North Carolina-Asheville after notching eight
points and four rebounds with two blocked shots against Bluefield
College.
Jones enjoyed a stellar prep career at Poteet High in Mesquite,
Texas where she was twice named district defensive player of the year and was a
two-time first-team all-district performer on the hardwood averaging 12 points
and 10 rebounds a game as a senior.
The dual sport-star was also tapped
offensive player of the year in volleyball as a senior in 2010 and twice game
all-district first-team mention.
"Shambreka will be bring a wealth of
experience at the post position," Johnson said. "She's athletic, physical and
can score. We're looking for her to do big things and have an immediate impact
with what we do offensively."
The athletic McJunkins averaged 11.6
points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.3 steals per game last season at Murray
State College in Tishomingo, Okla.
The 5-6 point comes from a great
athletic pedigree as her father, Prince McJunkins III, was a
standout quarterback at Wichita State from 1979-82 where he became the first
player in NCAA history to rush for 2,000 yards and pass for 4,000 yards in a
career. He is one of just two Shockers to have their numbers
retired.
"Janae will be our defensive stopper," Johnson said. "She has
great athletic ability with and without the basketball in her hands. She will
fill the point guard position for us along with Ashley Rush, Dianna Jones and
Rhea Levy. She definitely brings us versatility in that position. Janae is
able to hit 3s to stretch the floor and has the ability to create opportunities
for others."
Levy inked with the Mustangs after enjoying a successful
prep career at Saint Pius X High School in Houston under the tutelage of
Fernando Villisana.
The 5-6 guard was a three-time TAPPS all-district
selection helping the Panthers to a pair of state semifinal showings in 2011 and
2012 averaging 12 points, four steals and three rebounds as a senior in
2011-12.
"We are very fortunate to find Rhea," Johnson said. "She will
be a great addition to our freshman class. She will be a 1-2 combo guard for us
who can create off of the dribble. Rhea has the innate ability to create for
others on the floor. She will be able to compliment what we do on the floor very
well."
The trio rounds out this year's recruiting class, joining Keller
Timber Creek High's Hannah Selzer and Rider High's Jennifer Sissel, who inked in
the early signing period last fall.
Midwestern State returns eight
letter winners off of last season's 19-8 squad which advanced to the Lone Star
Conference Postseason Tournament for the first time since 2003.
