Pitt Women's Basketball Signs Two During Early Period
11/14/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 14, 2008
PITTSBURGH -
Pitt head coach Agnus Berenato announced Friday the signing of a National Letter of Intent with Ashlee Anderson and Leeza Burdgess in the early signing period.
"This signing class is probably the best talent-wise that we have ever had," Berenato said. "The staff worked really hard because these two were very highly recruited. Before we went to the Sweet 16, we weren't even in it with them. But they both fit in so well with our chemistry and the type of program we want here at Pitt. That is what makes them so special."
Anderson, a 5-9 guard from Chicago, Ill., will come to Pitt from Whitney Young High School where she has been named an Honorable Mention All-America by Sporting News and has participated in Michael White's Top Ten All-America Camp.
"I felt that Pitt was a great fit both academically and athletically," Anderson said. "It is such a great program. Their goals are the same as mine and that is to win a national championship. That foundation is there and everything is in place to get to that point. I feel like I can come in and work hard and help Pitt get there."
Anderson, ranked the 17th-best player at her position by Dan Olson's Collegiate Girls Basketball Report, helped lead her high school to the 2008 Illinois State 4A Championship, its first ever. The program has also won two city championships (2006 and 2007) and Anderson has helped lead her team to a No. 1 ranking in the Chicagoland area and No. 18 in the nation.
Anderson averaged 11.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game as a junior and was selected as one of Chicago's 50 top players, as well as ChicagoHoops.com Top Area HS Ballers. Anderson, who is coached by Corry and Mac Irvin at Whitney Young and with the Lady Fire AAU program, chose the Panthers over Boston College, Oklahoma State and DePaul.
"Ashlee will come in here and contribute immediately," Berenato said. "Her entire family played college sports at a very high level, so that is all she knows. She plays with such unbelievable emotion and desire. She is a winner.
"Ashlee is a player that won't be denied," Berenato continued. "She is imposing and plays so much bigger than she is. We are thrilled to have her."
Burdgess, a 6-5 center from Miami, Fla., helped lead Miami Norland High School to a regional and district championship as a junior. In her sophomore campaign, the team advanced to the 6A state title game, as Burdgess helped lead Miami Norland to a regional, district and GMAC title that season. In addition to her team's success that season, the three-time all-county team member was invited to Michael White's Top Ten All-America Camp.
"I am so excited," Burdgess said. "After meeting the team and coaches and seeing the city, I fell in love. It is a big family at Pitt and it was important for me to find a home away from home. I know I will be comfortable there, but they will push me to make me the best I can be. I just feel honored to be recognized by them and that they see so much potential in me."
Burdgess averaged 14.5 points and 12.5 rebounds per game as a junior and chose the Panthers over Indiana, Wake Forest and Memphis. Outside of high school play, Burdgess has been a member of the nationally renowned AAU squad Team Breakdown, coached by Patrick Gajardo.
In addition to her contributions in basketball, Burdgess has helped lead Miami Norland's volleyball team to a district appearance and was named a 6A honorable mention.
"Leeza is a young lady who has such an amazing future ahead of her," Berenato said. "She has not had the experience that a lot of players have had when they enter college, but she is like a sponge. We feel she has tremendous potential and has the drive and determination that will continue her rapid development.
"Leeza is big at 6-5, but she is mobile and has really good hands," Berenato said. "She fits well into our scheme and is such a hard worker. Once she really gets a feel for the game and is comfortable, she will be great."
Pitt begins its regular season Sunday, Nov. 16 at the State Farm Tip-Off Classic in a 5 p.m. meeting with No. 10 Texas A&M. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN2. Pitt's home opener is Nov. 24 against Penn State at the Petersen Events Center. For ticket information, contact the Pittsburgh Panthers Ticket Office at 1-800-643-PITT.