Report by LBSU
Long Beach State women’s basketball head coach Jody Wynn announced the signing Thursday of Janae Coffee (Fresno, Calif./Clovis West HS), Chantel Dooley (Northridge, Calif./Montclair Prep) and Brandi Henton (Modesto, Calif./Modesto Christian HS) to National Letters of Intent. The trio of high school standouts will join the 49ers in 2010.
“We are extremely happy with our early signees,” said Wynn. “I think they provide us with a great balance of athleticism, strength, quickness and shooting ability. All three young ladies are terrific kids and great students. They want to be a part of bringing Long Beach State women’s basketball back to being an NCAA Tournament team year in and year out.”
Janae Coffee, a 6-foot-3 center, will bring both strength and size to The Beach. In 2008-09, the two-time Fresno Bee All-Star led Clovis West High School to a Tri-River Athletic League title and a runner-up finish in the Central Section Division I championships. As a junior, Coffee averaged 18.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per outing, while shooting an impressive 64 percent from the field.
As a freshman and sophomore, Coffee helped the Golden Eagles to back-to-back Central Section Division I titles. She also played for one of the nation’s premier club teams in Cal Storm.
“Janae Coffee is strong and has great hands and good feet as well,” Wynn said. “She is somebody who can score with her back to the basket in the low block area and is a presence inside, which is something we definitely need. She will compete for immediate playing time.”
Chantel Dooley, a senior and team captain at Montclair Prep High School, averaged a double-double with 12.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game in 2008-09. The 5-foot-8 guard, who is known for her athleticism and defensive prowess, led the Mounties to a 21-7 mark and an appearance in the Division VA CIF Southern Section semifinals. For her efforts, Dooley was tabbed the team’s most valuable player, while also garnering first-team All-CIF and first-team All-Olympic League honors.
Dooley also played for Club Swoosh, one of the top club programs in California.
“Chantel Dooley can play either guard spot,” said Wynn. “She is a terrific athlete who can use her long arms to defend 94 feet. She can shoot the three and defend any perimeter position. She is just a terrific kid and we are excited to have her as part of our program.”
Brandi Henton, a 5-foot-7 combo guard, has led Modesto Christian High School to a pair of San Joaquin Section championships and three consecutive Trans Valley League titles. As a junior, she averaged 16.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists per outing as the Crusaders advanced to the CIF Division IV state finals where they fell to Mater Dei Catholic (Chula Vista), 54-51. Henton had a team-high 14 points in the loss.
Henton, the two-time reigning Trans Valley League MVP, was a first-team all-state selection in 2009. She also garnered first-team all-district recognition in each of the last two years.
“Brandi Henton is a very quick, fast and athletic combo guard,” said Wynn. “She can stretch the defense with her 3-point shooting ability and at the same time, she is just a great athlete. She is a kid who is constantly in the gym and loves the game of basketball. She will definitely make an immediate impact on our program.”
Long Beach State officially kicks off the season this Friday when the 49ers play host to Prairie View A&M at 7 p.m.
49er Women’s Basketball Signees Janae Coffee, Center, 6-3, Fresno, Calif. (Clovis West HS) Chantel Dooley, Guard, 5-8, Northridge, Calif. (Montclair Prep) Brandi Henton, Guard, 5-7, Modesto, Calif. (Modesto Christian HS)