Micah Jones Signs With SIUE

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – Five standouts have signed National Letters of Intent to join SIUE Head Coach Paula Buscher and the Cougar women's basketball program.

Buscher announced the signing of Micah Jones (Cowden), Syerra Cunningham (Beach Park), Miranda Brandt (Chamois, Mo.), Alexis Chappelle (St. Louis) and Katelynn Martinez (Champaign).

With an outgoing class of four successful seniors, Buscher said the newcomers will have high expectations going forward. "We have a great senior class here now that has been a huge part of the program," Buscher said.

Jones, a 6-1 forward from Cowden-Herrick Community High School, has the ability to play the small forward, power forward or center position.

"Micah is a very athletic multi-sport athlete who loves to compete. She will flourish at the next level focusing on one sport," said Buscher.

Jones helped Cowden-Herrick to the state finals last season with a 29-4 record. She was named the Decatur Herald and Review Player of the Year last season. She plays AAU basketball locally for the Lady Ice and the Illinois Jets.

"She has the chance to be a real special player," Buscher said.

Cunningham, a 6-foot, 2-inch center, is a two-time All-County performer from Zion Benton High School. She counts a 20-point, 28-rebound effort against Round Lake as one of her top performances. She averaged 15 points and 12 rebounds per game as a junior.

"Syerra is a nice strong post player who has a tremendous upside. She has a great touch around the basket," Buscher said.

Cunningham played three seasons for the Illinois Magic and was named to the All-Star team for the 2012 adidas® Tournament.

Brandt was a first team All-State selection last season at Osage County R-1 High School. A three-time All-District and All-Conference pick, Brandt is a 5-11 guard/forward who also is a two-time team Most Valuable Player.

"She is a versatile player with a tremendous work ethic," said Buscher.

Brandt could be a matchup issue for SIUE opponents because of her size, speed, and versatility. An academic All-State performer, Brandt played summer basketball for the Missouri Rage and the Missouri Impact.

Chappelle is a 5-6 guard from Hazelwood Central High School who was a first team All-Conference pick and a team Most Valuable Player. A member of the conference All-Academic team, she played summer basketball for Team adidas®.

"Alexis is a combo guard who can penetrate to the basket and shoot the three," Buscher said.

Chappelle played four different positions on the court for Hazelwood Central. She averaged 13.2 points and 5.1 rebounds per game last season.

Martinez, a 5-6 point guard, was the Big 12 Conference Player of the Year and the team's Defensive Player of the Year last season at Centennial High School. She averaged 10.3 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.7 assists per game last season.

"She is a true point guard. With great court vision, she will make her teammates better," said Buscher.

Martinez has been a three-sport standout in basketball, golf, and soccer. In basketball, she is a three-time All-Conference selection. She has played summer basketball for the Illini Swish and the C-U Elite.

Fitness shouldn't be an issue for Martinez. She also was named the Champaign-News-Gazette Player of the Year in soccer after scoring 59 goals over the past two seasons. Martinez will be aiming to pass the 1,000-point mark in her senior season at Centennial. She has helped the Chargers to a 78-20 record over the past three seasons as well as consecutive Big 12 Conference titles.

"This is a strong class with high expectations. They have a tremendous work ethic and skill set to be successful at this level. They are quality individuals both on and off the court," added Buscher.