University Center, MI – In addition to the three members of the 2016 recruiting class who were announced in December, the Saginaw Valley State Women's Basketball team has added two student-athletes to the roster who will join for the 2016-17 season. Both Abby Duffy (Massillon, Ohio / Jackson HS) and Mariah Cook (Pigeon, Mich. / Elkton Pigeon Bayport HS) will join the SVSU women's basketball program.
"It is with great excitement that we can announce the addition of two more outstanding student-athletes to the class of 2016. Abby Duffy and Mariah Cook are the final pieces needed to solidify the class as one that will add depth, competitiveness, and a winning attitude to the program. Both players are extremely excited to be Cardinals and that high energy and positive attitude is going to fit in well with the group that we have currently on the roster." - SVSU Women's Basketball Head Coach Jamie Pewinski
Abby Duffy - 6'0 - Forward, Jackson H.S., Massillon, OH
Abby spent the 2015-2016 season as a member of the Dayton Flyers, where she saw action in seven games. While at Jackson H.S., she played varsity all four years ending as the school's career leader in rebounds with 743. She was a captain her junior and senior years and was a two time All-Conference and All-County player.
"Abby is someone that is going to compete for minutes at both the four and five. She is a versatile, skilled post player that can play both inside or on the perimeter. Abby has a knack for rebounding the ball and is going to be a physical presence for us. We look forward to her leadership and the experience she gained while playing a year of college basketball already and we can't wait to get her on campus!" - Coach Pewinski
Mariah Cook - 5'5 - Guard, Elkton Pigeon Bayport H.S., Pigeon, MI
Mariah has won numerous awards both academically and athletically. She is the class of 2016 Salutatorian, graduating with honors, is the National Honor Society President and is an All-Conference Scholar Athlete. As she graduates, she is in the top 10 for career records in numerous categories, including first in three pointers made, third in scoring, seventh in assists and eighth in free throw percentage.
"Mariah epitomizes what we want in a student-athlete. She is an extremely hard worker and is going to be in the Honors Program here at SVSU. Playing three sports in high school is not an easy thing to do, but it is something Mariah has handled relatively easily. We look forward to seeing how her game can grow as she now focuses on one sport and we look forward to being the ones to coach her through that process." - Coach Pewinski
Abby and Mariah join the three student-athletes who were announced in December, who are Laurel Jacqmain (Saginaw, Mich. / Saginaw Nouvel Catholic HS), Francesca Coury (Grand Blanc, Mich. / Flint Powers Catholic), and Katie Schultz (Bark River, Mich. / Bark River Harris). Below are some thoughts Pewinski has on her three early signees for the upcoming 2016-17 campaign...
"There couldn't be three other guards that will fit our system more perfectly and we are very excited to announce their signing. They have a great skill level, but they also have a high basketball IQ. Each of them is extremely competitive and will do what it takes for the team to succeed. Rarely have I had a conversation with any of them that didn't turn back to how the team was playing, no matter what their individual stats for that game were. Most impressively, they are high academic kids and great people and we look forward to getting them on campus next season!" – Coach Pewinski
Laurel Jacqmain – 5'8" – Guard, Saginaw Nouvel Catholic H.S., Saginaw, Mich.
While at Nouvel Cathloic Central High School, Jacqmain led the Panthers to the 2014 state championship as well as a runner-up finish in the 2013 season. She earned several Class C All-State honors during both the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons. Aside from that, she was named to the High School Sports Scene First Team Dream Team and Saginaw News First Team Dream Team. Jacqmain is planning on majoring in nursing at Saginaw Valley.
"Laurel has been a winner her entire career at Nouvel Catholic. Her best games have come on the biggest stage and that's not always an easy trait to find in high school athletes. She is a great shooter, but she is an underrated ball handler and passer, which will allow her to play both the point and off guard positions for us. Her love for the game is infectious and her desire to compete and improve daily is something to admire." – Coach Pewinski
Francesca Coury – 5'9" – Guard, Flint Powers Catholic H.S., Grand Blanc, Mich.
Coury led her team to the Class B state finals in the 2013 season and the semifinals at the conclusion of the 2014 season. She has earned multiple all-state honors and was twice named All-Saginaw Valley League. The two-time team captain earned MVP honors at the 2014 Motor City Roundball Tournament as well.
"Cessa is another big guard that can play all three guard positions for us. She is extremely unselfish and uses her high basketball IQ to get her teammates involved in the game. Her shooting ability will help us stretch the floor on offense, but her playmaking ability will help her create plays for her teammates when needed. She has had great success in high school and we can't wait for that winning attitude to be a part of this program " – Coach Pewinski
Katie Schultz – 5'9" – Guard, Bark River-Harris H.S., Bark River, Mich.
While at Bark River-Harris High School, Katie earned Second Team All-Conference honors in the 2014 and 2015 seasons. She was named to the league's All-Defensive Team as well, earning the honors during the 2013, 2014 and 2015 seasons. Schultz is planning on majoring in Biology at SVSU.
"Katie has an incredible work ethic that has allowed her game to grow every year. She is a strong, physical guard that excels getting to the rim, but she can shoot the 3 consistently. Her skill set will allow her to play the 2 or 3 position, but her strength could see her stretch to the 4 at times in our system. There is no doubt that Katie is a smart player and that her best basketball is ahead of her." – Coach Pewinski
