May 22, 2008

WINSTON-SALEM, NC - Winston-Salem State women's basketball head coach Dee Stokes announced the signing of three more players to National Letters of Intent, Thursday. The addition of the three players brings the Lady Rams' total to five signees.  "My staff and I have worked very hard over the last three weeks to secure this signing class," WSSU head women's basketball head coach Dee Stokes said, Thursday. "I am excited about these young ladies and look forward to seeing them grow in the Ram program. They are all exceptional students and should excel both on and off the basketball court."

The Lady Rams will add some height to their program with the signing of Jordhan Peterson, a 6'1" post player who shot 52.7% from the field, averaged 9.64 points per game, and 7.08 rebounds per game. "Jordhan was a steal for us. She is an exceptional student and really wants to get better as a basketball player." Stokes added. "I love the fact that Jordhan and her mom, Tanya Mann, sometimes get up at 6:00 a.m. to go to the gym to workout. I look forward to seeing her blossom in our system." Norfolk Collegiate coach Suzanne Midkiff, Peterson's high school coach added, "Norfolk Collegiate School is thrilled for Jordhan. Her work ethic, sportsmanship and drive will be an excellent addition to the Winston-Salem State University team. We wish her nothing but the best and know she will succeed both on and off the court at this next stage in her life."

Also bringing some needed height to the Lady Rams will be 5'11" forward Chloe Morse, an athletic, physical player who will strengthen the Lady Rams at both ends of the court. "Chloe has a 32" vertical and should fit in nicely at the power forward position for us." Stokes said. "We thought we would take a chance on Chloe because her coach, Ellen Allen, felt that her potential was untapped." In addition to her physical abilities, Morse will also give a boost to the Lady Rams offense as well. "She can also shoot the three, which is something we like for our frontcourt players to be able to do."  She is not only a star on the court, but also star in the classroom. She is an exceptional student and will graduate in the top 10 in her class out of 440 students and has a chance to be admitted into WSSU's honors program. 

Also joining the Lady Rams this fall will be 5'6" guard Porsche Harrell. She totaled 274 assists and averaged 8.8 assists per game during her senior season at Westover High School. Defensively, she also averaged 3.6 steals per game and only had 85 turnovers for the season. "Porsche is no stranger to our program in that Kadina Baldwin and Shalonda Carter both graduated from WSSU and played at Westover High School," Stokes said. "Porsche just does not turn the ball over. That is what I liked about this kid. You have to have three point guards at the Division I level." Both Baldwin and Carter finished their careers as statistical leaders at WSSU. Harrell played on a state championship team. Her high school coach Gene Arrington added that the team would not have won it without her leadership.

"I am excited about this entire class. We have two more scholarships remaining and will use one of them for another post player." Stokes said of the 2008 signings. "We hope to be finished in the coming weeks and we look forward to the start of basketball season in October."

For more information on Winston-Salem State University Lady Rams basketball, please log on to www.WSSURams.com or contact the Winston-Salem State University Department of Athletic Media Relations at (336) 750-2909.