Nov. 16, 2008

LOGAN, Utah - Utah State women's basketball is proud to announce the signing of three student-athletes in the early period for the 2009-10 season, including guards Jenna Johnson, Ashley Mitchell and Devyn Christensen.

"This is a great signing class that truly reflects our team's needs and our team's character," USU head coach Raegan Pebley said. "They will add depth to our perimeter game. Their potential as a class is tremendous, and we are thrilled to have them become Aggies!"

Devyn Christensen is a native of Caldwell, Idaho and attends Vallivue High School, where she was the Idaho 5A Player of the Year last season. Vallivue is also the alma mater of Utah State-great Jenny Gross-Brown. On the court, Christensen, a 5-7 guard, averaged 16 points last season, including scoring 19 points in the state tournament. She had a season-high 25 points last season.

"As Devyn's coach for the past three years, the first thing I noticed is her incredible hunger for the game of basketball," Vallivue head coach Stu Sells said. "She will never be out-worked and will do whatever it takes to not only become a complete player but a consummate teammate. I am excited for Devyn to join the USU family of coaches, players and fans, where I believe she will be able to further her finest qualities; that of leadership by example and a flawless character."

The guard is on pace to score 1,100 points in three seasons. Christensen set a record with eight three pointers in the state tournament last season. They lost in the state championship game last season.

"Devyn defines what a competitor is. She loves to compete, and she loves to win," Pebley said. "Devyn comes to us from a high school and club program that works tirelessly to prepare their team for the next level. We know this because of the tremendous player and person we had the fortune of coaching in Jenny Gross-Brown."

Christensen is interested in majoring in business. She is a leader on her high school and club team and works to influence her teammates.

Jenna Johnson is a 5-9, guard from Wasilla, Alaska. While averaging 17 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists Jenna is the starting guard for Wasilla High School, the same basketball program Republican VP Candidate Sarah Palin played for in high school.

"Jenna provides size, versatility, athleticism and grit," Pebley said. "It was clear during the recruiting process that Jenna and Utah State were a great fit on and off the floor."

Alaska has produced some recent outstanding women's basketball players such as Azella Perryman (Stanford, `07), Natalie Jones (Arizona, '06), Sylvia Bullock (Miami), and Telisa Rhea (Oregon State). She was first team all-state last season, and her team finished in third-place at the Alaska State Tournament. Johnson is projected to be the 2008 Alaska MVP.

"Jenna Johnson is by far one of the best athletes Alaska has to offer," Alaska Lady Hoops Club coach Ryan Hales said. "Everyone involved with the Utah State program will soon take high regard to her dedication, passion and enthusiasm for the game of basketball. Jenna has merely scratched the surface of greatness, Utah State is in for a real treat."

Academically, Jenna is interested in majoring in elementary education.

Ashley Mitchell is a native of Long Beach, Calif., where she attends Long Beach Millikan High School. Mitchell, a 5-8 guard, averaged over 10 points, six rebounds, six assists, while shooting 54 percent from the field last season. Against Cajon High School, she nearly had a triple-double with 21 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, while also adding six steals.

"Ashley is a WAC-level athlete with raw potential," Pebley said. "Her ceiling is high and this program is lucky to be a part of her development as a great player."

Last January, the guard and her Millikan High School teammates defeated Long Beach Poly which was the top-ranked team in the country at the time. Millikan, under the guidance of head coach Lorene Morgan, was ranked as high as No. 13 in the country last year.

"Ashley Mitchell is one of Southern California's outstanding guards," Long Beach Milikan High School head coach Lorene Morgan said. "She has the ability to penetrate to the basket at will as well as shoot consistently at the three. She has been very instrumental in helping Long Beach Millikan's ranking in the state as well as the nation. While being recruited by many schools all of the country Ashley felt that Utah State with their style of play and the coaching staff would be the best fit for her. She will develop under Coach Pebley and help bring some excitement to women's basketball in Logan."

She aspires to major in psychology or sociology while attending USU.

2008-09 Utah State Women's Basketball SigneesDevyn Christensen, 5-7, G, Caldwell, IdahoJenna Johnson, 5-9, G, Wasilla, AlaskaAshley Mitchell, 5-8, G, Long Beach, Calif.

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