Inside Women's Basketball

Tuesday night at her high school graduation, Shoni Schimmel announced she will be attending Louisville.  Schimmel kept the announcement a secret, not even telling her family or friends.  She made the announcement when she received her diploma.

THIS IS CONFIRMED!!!  Here is the exact press release information sent to Inside Women’s Basketball by her father and assistant coach Rick Schimmel:

Shoni Schimmel will attend the University of Louisville.

Tuesday night at Franklin High School’s Class of2010 graduation ceremony, Shoni announced her college selection.  Unbeknownst to even family, friends and school staff the announcement was made as she received her diploma. The decision process has been a long and difficult one, but still an amazing experience.  The challenge was picking just one college as there were a handful of outstanding programs that at the end made her final decision extremely difficult.  There were several great programs with outstanding coaches, academic opportunities and strong community support.

Shoni summarizes “This decision was more than basketball.  It was about an opportunity to get a great education, follow my hoop dreams, and represent my Native American heritage.  Playing at Louisville in the Big East Conference offers the best opportunity for me to compete at a championship level under great administrative and coaching leadership.”

Shoni states, “I am looking forward to college, meeting my teammates, embracing the Cardinal’s fans.  It’s exciting to be a part of an amazing 2010 Louisville recruiting class and look forward to getting in the gym and begin working with my new team.”

“I offer a heartfelt thank you to the basketball programs that have shown their interest in me throughout this recruiting process and also to the many supporters that have been there for me.  And of course and most importantly my family” Schimmel says.

Chiney Ogwumike is one of 26 top players in the country invited to try out for team USA

Twenty six of the top players in the country have been invited to the 18U USA team trials set to take place June 8-11 at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  The players will battle for 12 roster spots and the opportunity to represent the United States in the 2010 FIBA Championship July 23-27 in Colorado Springs.  Here is the list of invitees:

WATCH PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE GAME

The future of women’s basketball shined bright in the Lone Star State during the 2010 Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) High School All-America Game presented by Nike Saturday, as the Red Team held off the White Team to take the title, 101-81.

The White Team got on the board first after Texas A&M recruit Karla Gilbert made her first of two free throws, but the Red Team dominated most of the early game, leading 48-37 at the half. Meighan Simmons (Tennessee signee) scored 15 of her 21 points in the first half to lead the Red Team while Jennifer O’Neill (Kentucky signee) contributed nine of her total 15 points for the White Team in the early going.

In the middle of the second half the Red Team was up by 24 points, but the White Team stayed persistant and eventually were able to cut the lead to 10 with 6:58 remaining, but the damage was already done, and the Red Team coasted to victory.

“It was such an unbelievable honor to be on the Final Four court for the first time and be in the midst of great players and have such high competition,” said White Team MVP and Stanford signee Chiney Ogwumike. “It may not have been demonstrated on the score board but we worked hard and learned a lot by playing thru adversity and trying to come back. This game was definitely a memorable experience for me.”

Ogwumike scored a game high 24 points to lead the White Team, including a perfect 5 for 5 at the free throw line, while Simmons was the high scorer for the Red Team with 21 points. Red Team MVP Chelsea Gray (Duke signee) had eight steals and went 2 for 4 at the 3-point line to contribute 18 points to the Red Team’s tally.

“I was born and raised in Texas and what a great honor for me to coach and be a part of such a prestigious game,” said Red Team coach Teri Morrison. “We had balanced scoring which is rare for an All-America game, and I was blessed to have a team full of kids who were willing to do anything they could.”

For the game, the Red squad shot 46.8 percent and the White Team 38 percent. Both teams had over 40 rebounds, 14 or more assists and double-digits in steals. UConn signee Samarie Walker had a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds to help secure the win for the Red Team. Tiffany Moore (Texas signee), Bria Hartley (UConn signee) and Natasha Howard (Florida State signee) each scored points in double digits for the Red Team.

For the White team, Lindsay Sherbert (California signee) contributed 11 points and seven rebounds, Sara James (Stanford signee) added eight points and seven rebounds while Gilbert assisted her team with seven points and seven boards.

OAK BROOK, Ill. – McDonald’s six female finalists today for the Morgan Wootten Player of the Year Award. The annual award, named after DeMatha High School coaching legend Morgan Wootten, recognizes the nation’s top boys and girls high school senior student-athletes. In addition to their skills on the court, the winners must demonstrate outstanding character, exhibit leadership, and embody the values of being a student-athlete, both in the classroom and in the community. Winners will be announced March 10, 2010.
The finalist are….

Chelsea Gray
In 2008, Gray was named the California State Player of the Year. The following year, as a junior, Gray helped her team win the state championship. She has multiple MVP awards on her resume including MVP of the 2007 West Coast Jamboree, 2009 AAU National (South Carolina), 2009 Tournament of Champions in Arizona and the 2010 Compolindo Shoot-Out in Berkeley, Calif. Off the court, Gray volunteers as a second grade teacher, helps children at her church, and spends time serving food at a local homeless shelter. Gray will attend Duke in the fall.

Bria Hartley
Hartley is currently one of the top point guards in the 2010 class. A competitive three-sport athlete, Hartley’s basketball awards include Parade All-American (2009), Gatorade Player of the Year in New York (2009), Metro Classic MVP (2009) and multiple all-league, all-Long Island and all-state honors. In her spare time, she teaches kids at a local youth basketball league. Hartley will attend Connecticut in the fall.

Kaneisha Horn
Horn is regarded as one of the top players in the 2010 class. She helped her team to the Alabama 5A State Championship her freshman year and averaged nearly 20 points per game her junior year before tearing her ACL, which sidelined her for 10 months. Horn returned to the court her senior year intent on making a statement. Off the court, Horn is active in her church, helps encourage voter registration, and is involved with other youth political activities. Horn will attend Alabama in the fall.

Natasha Howard
Howard has received comparisons to LeBron James because of her size and shooting ability. A two-time All-Ohio selection, Howard is averaging more than 25 points and 11 rebounds in 2010. Howard recently took an active role in her school’s fundraising effort to help children in Haiti. Howard will attend Florida State in the fall.

Chiney Ogwumike
Ogwumike is a three-year all-state selection and is currently the top-ranked player in the 2010 class. Highlighting her many accolades on the court is a 2008 state championship. Off the court, she orgaznied a charity dance event that raised money to help stop child abuse, is a volunteer for Cypress Assistance Ministires, and she volunteers at her church. Ogwumike will attend Stanford in the fall.

Odyssey Sims
Sims received multiple all-state honors in 2009 and is currently the top point guard prospect in the class of 2010. Her basketball accolades include multiple all-district, all-region and all-state honors. When she’s not playing basketball, Sims volunteers her time at a local animal shelter. Sims will attend Baylor in the fall.

The 2010 McDonald’s All American Basketball Games will be played on March 31 at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio. The Girls Game begins at 5:30 p.m. ET, and will broadcast live on ESPNU. The Boys Game will tip-off at 8:00 p.m. ET, and will broadcast live on ESPN.