Nov. 22, 2009

LOGAN, Utah - Utah State women's basketball head coach Raegan Pebley proudly announces the signing of three student-athletes in the early period for the 2010-11 season, including guard Kamie Imai (E-My), guard Jennifer Schlott and post player Stephanie Larson.

"We are very pleased with the quality of student-athletes that we have signed during this signing period. They will add tremendous depth to next year's team which will be returning several players," USU head coach Raegan Pebley said. "Our recruiting is not over, and we look to add some size to our team in the late period."

Jennifer Schlott is a 5-6 guard from Mesa, Ariz., and enters her senior season as a three-year starter at Mountain View High School. She is the Toros' single-season assist record holder (192), appearing in 96 career games at Mountain View. During the 2008-09 season, Schlott was named first team East Valley all-Region for the third straight season and was Mountain View's Co-Most Valuable Player for her junior campaign. She averaged a team-best 10.3 points per game and led the team in assists (114) and steals (71). Schlott was ranked 34th in the nation by Hoop Gurlz among point guards.

During the 2007-08 campaign, Schlott earned Class 5A Arizona all-State Honorable Mention honors by both The Arizona Republic and East Valley Tribune. She started all 32 games at point guard for Mountain View as a sophomore, averaging 13.1 points, 5.2 assists and 2.4 steals per game.

"We are inheriting a tremendous guard in Jennifer Schlott," Pebley said. "She is a natural fit for us. Our offensive system will provide her with a chance to really highlight her strengths. Jen has developed under excellent coaches, Henry Bribiescas and Blanca Garcia. They have and will continue to prepare her to be successful in our conference and within our program."

Schlott played for the Silver Streaks club team, averaging 18.4 points per game at the End of the Oregon Trail, earning all-tournament honors. She was the team's leading scorer at several tournaments last season.

"I chose Utah State because of the atmosphere, I love how close the team is, and the great coaching staff, " Schlott said.

Stephanie Larson is a 6-3 post player from Tustin, Calif. Larson had limited playing time last season playing behind All-American Christina Marinacci. Last season, Foothills High School finished 30-2 with a 7-2 league record. The Knights won 17-straight games before falling in their final game of the season.

"We feel we found a hidden gem in Stephanie," Pebley said. "She has size; she has great hands, a good touch around the basket and the ability to finish with contact. All this being said, what we love most about her is that the ceiling is very high for her growth as a player."

"I chose Utah State because my first conversation with Coach Pebley had a positive influence and made me feel as though I was already welcome into the Aggies program," Larson said. "When I visited the campus and saw my first USU game I knew that is where I wanted play basketball. The coaches and teammates were very welcoming which made me feel like I was at home."

Kamie Imai is a 5-9 guard from Pahoa, Hawaii. Last season at Waiakea High School, she averaged 10.9 points per game. She also had 6.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game.

"We are excited about getting one of the best players out of Hawai'i to Utah State," Pebley said. "Kamie has great athleticism and strength that she utilizes well with her scoring ability at the three position. As she matures as a player within our system, she can be very valuable to our offense and our defense."

As a prospect for the 2009-10 season, Imai was ranked second by Hoop Gurlz among guards in the state of Hawaii. Imai played on the same club team, Hawaii Select, as current Aggie freshman Pualei Furtado. She also played for Team Aloha, a Hawaii High School Athletic Association sponsored all-star team that played in the Arizona Elite Girls Basketball Tournament in last season.

"I am very excited to become an Aggie, and I am looking forward to playing for Utah State," Imai said. "I am training hard and preparing myself for the next level. Ultimately, I want to have a Utah State degree and a career in the WNBA."

2009-10 Utah State Women's Basketball Signees Jennifer Schlott, 5-6, G, Mesa, Calif. (Mountain View HS) Stephanie Larson, 6-3, P, Tustin, Calif. (Foothill HS) Kamie Imai, 5-8, G, Pahoa, Hawaii (Waiakea HS)