Robinson Fruchtl unveils women's basketball class of 2012
LORETTO, Pa. (Nov. 15, 2007) – Saint Francis University head women’s basketball coach Susan Robinson Fruchtl has announced that five high school seniors have signed National Letters of Intent and will join the Red Flash for the 2008-09 season. The Saint Francis class of 2012 includes: Sarah Thorn (Yardley, Pa./Pennsbury East), Quinessa Johnson (West Chester, Ohio/Lakota West), Brittany Lilley (Severna Park/Severna Park, Md.), Najah Prescott (Philadelphia, Pa/Cardinal Dougherty), and Kelsey Caruthers (Millersville, Pa./Penn Manor).
"We are extremely thrilled with this 2008 recruiting class,” said Robinson Fruchtl. “We have basically recruited one player at every position. These five add a great deal of athleticism and speed to our team. We expect all five to have an immediate impact for us next season."
Thorn, who projects to play point guard for the Flash, has been a starter since her freshman year at Pennsbury High School East. She averaged 10 points, seven rebounds, and nearly nine assists per game as a junior a year ago. The Bucks County Courier Times all-conference selection has also participated in the Runnin’ Rebels AAU program for three years, most recently helping her U16 team to an Adidas National Championship in Atlanta, Ga. Thorn, a National Honor Society member, plans to pursue a degree in education at Saint Francis.
"Sarah comes to us from a great AAU program, the Runnin' Rebels out of Philadelphia,” said Robinson Fruchtl. “She is a gutsy, tough-minded point guard who will run the show. She has played at the highest level in AAU and has faced some tough competition. We are excited about the enthusiasm she will bring to our program."
Johnson, another guard, has earned three letters heading into her senior season at Lakota West High School. The Firebirds won three sectional, one league, and one district championship over Johnson’s first three seasons on varsity, after all of which she was recognized as the team’s best defensive player. The future SFU pre-law major has also been a three-time academic honor roll selection.
"Quinessa was the first commitment we received back in the summer and we can't wait to get her on campus,” said Robinson Fruchtl. “She comes to us from Lakota West High School, a basketball powerhouse in Ohio. ‘Q’ brings a ton of speed and quickness and will be able to help us become more of a pressure defense team. She can really get out on the break and run the floor. Fans will love Quinessa because she plays so hard every time she steps onto the court."
Lilley, a guard out of Severna Park High School, has drawn numerous honors over her three years on the varsity squad. A Gatorade Rookie of the Year honoree as a freshman, she went on to earn first team all-county selections during her sophomore and junior campaigns, and was named team MVP after her junior season. Last year Lilley served as a team captain and responded by averaging nearly 15 points and just over three assists per game.
“Brittany is someone that will be a versatile guard for us,” said Robinson Fruchtl. “She can handle the ball and penetrate in the open court. She will add a tremendous amount of quickness and speed to our team. Brittany can defend full-court and she will make us more athletic. Brit brings a great deal of energy to our team and we hope that energy will be contagious.”
Despite only picking up basketball as a high school freshman, Prescott has developed into a solid post player for Cardinal Dougherty High School in Philadelphia, averaging 12 points, seven boards, and four blocks per game as a junior last season. Named a team captain prior to her senior season, the four-year varsity player has also served as a student council representative while earning a 3.9 GPA.
“Najah is a post that will also bring more athleticism to our team,” said Robinson Fruchtl. “She runs the floor very well and will be able to get out on the fast break. She is a quick defender who will use her long arms to cause problems for the offense.”
Caruthers, who averaged 13.7 points and nine rebounds per game as a junior, heads into her final season at Penn Manor High School with 873 career points. The future Red Flash post player will follow her former head coach and current Saint Francis assistant Ashli Schwab to Loretto. Caruthers is also a standout field hockey player at Penn Manor, earning a section one second- team all-star selection.
“Kelsey adds a great deal of strength and low post scoring for us,” said Robinson Fruchtl. “Ashli Schwab coached her in high school, so Kelsey already has a good understanding of what we teach. Her footwork in the low post area is very good and she will be a back-to-the-basket scoring threat. We can't wait to get her on campus and have her bring a physical presence to our team.”