May 1, 2008

PHILADELPHIA - Saint Joseph's women's basketball announced today that guard Mariame Djouara (Treivchville, Ivory Coast /St. Timothy's/South Plains College) has signed a National Letter of Intent to play for the Hawks beginning in the 2008-09 season.

A two-year starter for South Plains College, Djouara helped lead the Lady Texans to consecutive Western Junior College Athletic Conference titles, while averaging 12.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. This past season, Djouara averaged 14.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 22 assists per game, earning Honorable Mention StateFarm/WBCA JC/CC All-American, All-Region V Team and First Team All-Conference honors along the way. The 5-foot-7 guard posted her best game of the year against Colby, setting a school record with seven three pointers made en route to scoring a season-best 33 points.

"Mariame is a tremendous athlete that has the ability to create her own shot," said Saint Joseph's head coach Cindy Griffin. "She has excelled both on the court and in the classroom and will make an immediate impact."

Djouara, who was the 32nd rated player overall and 12th rated guard according to Dan Olson's Collegiate Scouting Report, joins early signees Michelle Baker (Wilmington, DE/Brandywine), Kelly Cavallo (Westhampton Beach, NY/Westhampton Beach) and Katie Kuester (Chestnut Hill, PA/Academy of Notre Dame) to compose a talented incoming rookie class for Saint Joseph's.