April 22, 2008

Curliss-Taylor Announces Signing of Three Players

ST. LOUIS, MO. – University of Missouri-St. Louis head women’s basketball coach Lisa Curliss-Taylor has announced the signings of Caitlyn Moody (Chatham, Ill.), Jessica Fransen (Blue Eye, Mo.), and Chiara Robinson (Berkley, Mo.) to join the Tritons program beginning with the 2008-09 academic year. They join Hailee Deckard, who signed with the Tritons last November and Barissa Ford who committed to the program in January.

“This group of incoming recruits will be a great addition to our program,” said Curliss-Taylor. “They all made it far in their respective state tournaments and know how to win.”

Moody, a 6-1 guard, earned Illinois Basketball Coaches Association honorable mention all-state honors as a senior at Glenwood High School after averaging 15 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. A four-year starter, Moody also set the school record for blocked shots (60) in a season as a senior and earned all-Central State Eight Conference honors. She was also the conference’s scoring leader.

“We are happy that Caitlyn chose to be part of our program,” said Curliss-Taylor. “I believe with her height and shooting ability at the guard position, she will be able to contribute immediately.”

Fransen, a 6-2 forward, earned first team all-conference and first team all-district honors as a senior at Blue High School after averaging 14.7 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. Fransen also shot 61 percent from the field and 80 percent from the free throw line.

“Jessica is going to be a big threat for us in the post area,” Curliss-Taylor said. “She has a great body and with continued work and improvement, will develop into a major player at this level.”

Robinson, a 5-10 guard/forward, averaged 11 points, 7.7 rebounds and three steals per game at Berkley South High School as a senior.

“Chiara is a great athlete and is someone we need in our system,” said Curliss-Taylor. “She has the speed, athleticism and ability to block shots and rebound.”

Deckard, a 5-10 guard was a two-time first team all-state performer at Naylor (Mo.) High School. She averaged 22 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and four steals per game as a senior and was also a McDonald’s All-American nominee.

“Hailee will be a huge part of our future success,” said Curliss-Taylor. “She has the ability to play at any spot on the floor.”

Ford, a 5-6 guard, from Clayton High School has been with the program since January after transferring from Henderson State. She was a 2006-07 McDonald’s High School All-American nominee and a four-time first team all-Suburban East Conference selection. A two-time Missouri Class 4A second team all-state honoree, Ford is Clayton High School’s all-time leader in scoring, assists and steals.

“Barissa will bring depth and quickness to our guard position and will be a threat offensively,” said Curliss-Taylor.

See Pictures of Robinson and Fransen signing their national letters of intent