4-5-16
The signees will join Maddie Hertzel (Flowery Branch), Allie Jones (Starr’s Mill) and Shayna Lawrence (Lambert) who signed during the early signing period in November to complete the class for the 2016-17 season.
“To say I’m excited about the entire recruiting class would be an understatement. I believe everyone we are bringing in has the ability to make an immediate impact on our team,” stated Burson. “They are all different in many ways, however, the things they do have in common are their will to win and their love for the game. All of our signees come from winning programs and already know what it takes to win. I cannot wait to get everyone together, get started, and let the Nighthawk Nation see this team in action.”
UNG Women’s Basketball April Signees
Danyelle Blankinship – 5’5 Junior Guard, Georgia Highlands Transfer
At GHC, Blankinship started over half the games for the GJCAA State Champions. She set the record for most charges taken in a season, including 38 charges in her two-year career.
Burson on Blankinship: “Danyelle will bring a lot of competitiveness and toughness to our team. At 5’5, she’s an outstanding defender with great awareness, and solid shooting ability. Anyone who has taken as many charges as she has will definitely make a positive impact on our team.”
Deana Blankinship – 5’11 Junior Forward, Georgia Highlands Transfer
At GHC, Blakinship was an All-Conference performer as she led the team to GJCAA State Championship and Sweet Sixteen finish at the NJCAA National Tournament. Started all 35 games, averaging 11 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Burson on Blankinship: “Deana is one of the smartest players on the court I’ve seen. Her college experience and court awareness will be a huge difference maker for us. She’s a 5’11 forward who is a fierce competitor and makes everyone around her better. She scores, dishes, defends, and flat out knows how to win.”
Mackenzie Darrah – 6’4 Junior Forward, Elon University Transfer
Darrah saw action in all 25 games as a sophomore at Elon. At Buford, averaged 14 points, eight rebounds, and five assists as she led team to the State Championship her senior year.
Burson on Darrah: “Mackenzie brings experience as a transfer and will be a big presence on both ends of the court for us. Standing at 6’4, she can stretch defenses with her outside shooting ability, as well as give us a true back to the basket post. She handles the ball extremely well and will allow us a lot of versatility with our offenses and defenses.”
Amber Skidgel – 6’0 Sophomore Guard, Univ. of Georgia Transfer
Skidgel saw action in 16 games for UGA averaging over 10 minutes as a freshman. She was an All-State performer her sophomore, junior, and senior year of high school and is 10th all-time on Gwinnett County’s all-time scoring list highlighted by 227 career 3-pointers.
Burson on Skidgel: “Although she is well known for her great 3-point shooting ability, Amber is a highly skilled guard with a lot of weapons. Being 6’0 tall playing on the perimeter, combined with her court awareness and intelligence will really allow us to open up the play book. We are excited about her ability to put a lot of points on the scoreboard.”
Jazmin Smith – 5’5 Freshman Point Guard, Collins Hill High School
Smith led team to a 23-4 ledger and Sweet Sixteen appearance in GHSA State Tournament. She was also recently selected and played in Gwinnett County All-Star Game as well as the Atlanta City of Champions All-Star Classic.
Burson on Smith: “Big things come in small packages! What Jazmin lacks in size she makes up for with skill, passion and a true point guard mentality. She is a lock down defender and great communicator and can really distribute the ball. I think she will be a big difference maker.”
