Aug 09, 2018
Candice Evans 5'2" Point Guard – St. Anthony High School/Long Beach, CA
Candice Evans was Coach Pruitt's first freshman commit for the 2018 recruiting class. Regarded as one of the top point guard on-ball defenders in the nation, Evans will look to bring her Nike EYBL experience with the Cal Sparks to the Leopards. During her prep career, Evans was a two-time City Section Champion and received the 2018 West Coast Sports Medicine Foundation Scholar-Athlete Award of Excellence. Off the court, Evans was class president, a member of the National Honor Society, and a California Scholarship Federation Member.
Evans will major in broadcast journalism.
Why Did You Choose La Verne?
"I felt La Verne embodied the core values that were instilled in me as a kid."
Coach Pruit on Evans: "We will look for Candice to come in and pick up where she left off at in the Nike EYBL circuit. She has played with or against the top talent in California and across the country. Candice comes from a basketball family that lives, eats, and sleeps basketball. Her grandmother is a University of La Venere Alumnus. Candice knows what it takes to be a Leopard on and off the court."
Ashton Berry 5'7" Guard - Liberty High School/Madera, CA
Ashton Berry, the Liberty High School leading scorer brings her talents to the University of La Verne. Outside of basketball she is working on her own clothing line and will major in business at La Verne. Berry also becomes Liberty's first girls' basketball player to sign with a four-year college or university. Her accomplishments while at Liberty are second to none. Off the court, she earned honor roll recognition, and on the court, she was named Madera Tribune All-League and team captain.
Why Did You Choose La Verne?
"I decided to go to La Verne because I like the smaller environment. I also knew right away I was going to go to La Verne after my first visit."
Pruitt on Berry: "Berry is a scorer that can put the ball in the basket and use her athletic ability defend 94 feet. She is committed to doing the little things on the floor, which is going to have a great impact on our program."
Jazzlyn Johnson 5'3" Point Guard – Ontario High School/Ontario, CA
SoCal Prep Legends athlete Jazzlyn Johnson joins the Leopard squad in 2018. This past season the Inland Valley Sports Hall of Fame recognized and honored Johnson as one of the top senior student-athletes in San Bernardino County for her athletic and academic accomplishment. During her time at Ontario High School, Johnson made the Superintendents Honor Roll (straight A's all throughout high school) and was Mt. Baldy League Outstanding Senior. On the court, she was the 2018 league most valuable player, first team all-league, and First Team All-CIF.
Johnson will pursue a degree in biology.
Why Did You Choose La Verne?
"I chose La Verne because I love the private school environment and like being closer to home."
Pruitt on Johnson: "Jazzlyn can run the point, score with the best of them, and pick up the ball on defense for 94 feet. We will look for her to come in and contribute at the point guard position from day one. She played with one of the top travel programs, West Coast Premier. That experience will help her tremendously in the transition to college. Jazzlyn will be fun to watch in a Leopard uniform."
Chasey Santos 5'9" Guard/Forward – Rosary Academy/Fullerton, CA
CIF and State Champion Chasey Santos will display her skills at the University of La Verne this fall. She played on the Rosary Academy varsity team for the past two years, and also played for the Open Gym Premier club team. She finished high school with a 4.0 GPA and was recognized as a scholar-athlete.
Her goal is to become a physician's assistant, specializing in neurology or psychology, and to have a large, happy family.
Why Did You Choose La Verne?
"I chose La Verne because I love the close-knit community and the diversity of its campus."
Pruitt on Santos: "Chasey fits the identity we want to build inside of the University of La Verne women's basketball program. Tough, blue-collar, and hard-nosed. With her size, Santos can play and guard multiple positions. She's a winner and comes from a championship program."
Sally Smith 5'11" Guard/Forward – Mark Keppel High School/Monterey Park, CA
Sally Smith arrives at La Verne after a standout prep career at Mark Kepel High School. Smith was the 2018 Almont League Defensive Player of the Year and was Second Team CIF Division 1A. While at Mark Kepel she received the Seal of Biliteracy. She will major in educational studies while at La Verne.
Why Did You Choose La Verne?
"I chose La Verne because its great education department can help me pursue a teaching career."
Pruitt on Smith: "Sally is one of the most versatile players in our 2018 recruiting class. At our level, she can play all five positions. Sally will be a match-up nightmare for opponents. The sky is the limit for her athletic abilities. She is a very hard-working player, has an extremely high motor, and she can score from inside and out."
Leana Delacruz 5'5" Guard – Morro Bay High School/Morro Bay, CA
Former Morro Bay High School basketball and track and field standout joins the Leopards' incoming freshmen class. While at Morro Bay High School, Leana served as team captain, earned team most valuable player honors, and was named 2018 second team all-league. Delacruz will major in biology at La Verne.
Why Did You Choose La Verne?
"I chose La Verne because I love the friendly environment the people here create. I also liked that it was close to my family."
Pruitt on Delacruz: "Leana has the ability to play either guard positions. The coaching staff and I were impressed by Leana's maturity through the recruiting process. She can shoot the ball from three and is a true student of the game. We look forward to watching her get better every day."
Emani Smith 5'8" Guard – Etiwanda High School/Etiwanda, CA
Emani Smith will come out of retirement and join the Leopards for the 2018-2019 season. Smith played her high school basketball at Etiwanda High School and was a four-time Baseline League Champion. She is pursuing a degree in chemistry.
Why Did You Choose La Verne?
"I chose La Verne for the people. From the moment you step onto campus, you feel a sense of community."
Pruitt on Smith: "Emani has a high basketball IQ and is a tough player. She has the ability to be a lockdown defender and we will look to her to bring the physical aspect to our program. Along with providing leadership, Smith has the length, skill, and versatility we need to be efficient offensively and defensively."
