With the season right around the corner, the University of La Verne women's basketball staff is looking to address some of last year's weakness with this season's incoming freshmen class. Last year the Leopards won the most games since their 2013-2014 season and will look for this year's class to help improve the program moving forward.
"With our incoming freshmen, we are going to have more length across the board, said the University of La Verne Women's Basketball Head Coach Jason Pruitt. "Last year, I thought we struggled matching up in size with our opponents. We brought in young, tall talent that will help us in that department. Definitely, in all of our guards' spots, we were looking to increase in size.
"Every year we aim to bring in the best talent. We utilize the University of La Verne brand to attract the highest caliber student-athletes from all over the state and country. When I recruit, I always say I'm not going to guarantee anyone a spot. I recruit off the possibility that you're going to be able to play a lot of minutes; how much you play or how often you play will be determined by how hard you work. The future seems bright and we look to get better in the classroom and the court each day."
Charnpreet Takher
Standing at 6'2", Takher, from Rancho Cucamonga, will give the Leopards a true center in their lineup. She will help La Verne's post presence and extend drives with offensive rebounds. Takher plans to study history
Coach Pruitt on Takher
"We needed more of an inside presence, which we are going to get right away with Charnpreet. We will look to have her expand her game a bit. Our staff will work with her shots in the perimeter, her back to the basket game, and her outside shot. We do not have any doubts that she will develop into a top post player in our conference."
Kendall Stanley
Stanley comes to La Verne from Lakewood High School in Lakewood, CA and will fortify the Leopards' post defense. Stanley's 6'1" frame and athleticism will make it reasonable to play her at the guard and forward spots to help defend opposing wings and post players. She plans to study kinesiology.
Coach Pruitt on Stanley
"Kendall has size and athleticism. She will have a very good career at the University of La Verne. She has the potential to average a double-double before her time at La Verne is over."
Casey Kuramoto
Sharpshooter Casey Kuramoto joins the Leopards from Fairmont Prep in Anaheim, CA. The 5'9" shooting guard will stretch the court for the Leos. Her length and athleticism will add a much-needed defensive presence on the wing. She plans to study education.
Coach Pruitt on Kuramoto
"Casey is a long athletic shooting guard with unlimited range. She has a good chance to break the program single-season record for three-point field goals made. As long as Casey puts in the work, she will have the green light to let it fly."
Rachel Gafford
Gafford joins the Leopards from Big Bear High School. During her high school career, the speedy guard averaged over 17 points per game along with six steals and six rebounds. She also averaged nearly four assists per game. As a junior at Big Bear, Gafford was a scoring machine, netting 467 of the team's 1,151 points, with an average of 18.7 a game. She also totaled the most assists and offensive rebounds, earning her the title of CVL Most Valuable Player. She plans to study business administration.
Coach Pruitt on Gafford
"Rachel can flat out score. In less than three years Gafford was able to accomplish something few high school basketball players can do and scored over 1,000 points. For the style we will look to play, Rachel will enjoy playing in our system. I let scorers score. Before she graduates, Rachel has the potential to lead the nation in scoring."
Tayla Thompson
Thompson joins the Leopards from Monterey Trail High School in Elk Grove, CA. The 5'11" power forward will be a force to reckoned with in the paint. During her prep career, Thompson averaged 16 points per game and 12 rebounds. Thompson plans to study business management.
Coach Pruitt on Thompson
"Tayla has the potential to be the all-time leading rebounder at the University of La Verne. She is tough, fearless, and a competitor. Those are the ingredients needed to be a winner and that's what we want in all of our players moving forward at La Verne."
Season Opener
The Leopards will play their alumni game on Saturday, October 26 at 2 p.m. and play their regular-season opener on Friday, November eight in The Tents against 7 p.m.
La Verne's complete 2019-20 roster will be posted soon.
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