Kentucky women?s basketball coach Mickie DeMoss announced today the signing of two Kentucky high school standouts in 5-8 guard Kasi (pronounced KAY-see) Galloway from Knott Co. Central in Hindman, Ky. and 6-1 forward/center Jenne (pronounced ja-NAY) Jackson of North Hardin High School in Radcliff, Ky. Galloway and Jackson join Shana Andrus of Barberton, Ohio and fellow Kentuckian Carly Ormerod of Louisville, Ky. in the 2005 recruiting class.
?When I took the job here I made a commitment to take care of the home state and I think we have followed through with that,? UK Coach Mickie DeMoss said. ?We signed Jackson County?s Sarah Elliott last season and this year we?ve signed three of the top five players in the state. It?s important for the future and foundation of this program to have Kentucky natives. It?s an integral part of this program.?
Galloway began playing varsity basketball as a fifth-grader at Fairview in Ashland, Ky. Since then she has earned a starting spot on every varsity squad she?s played. She starred for three years (seventh, eighth and ninth grade) at East Carter but transferred to Jackson County before the start of her sophomore season. She was there only a few weeks before transferring to Boyd County, where she was forced to sit out until February due to transfer rules. Galloway helped BCHS to a runner-up finish in the 16th Region last season, before transferring to Knott Co. Central.
She averaged 22.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.0 steals per game last season at Boyd County and was named to the Louisville Courier-Journal All-State second team. She also was named to the Lexington Herald-Leader All-State second team in 2002 and was a two-time All-State third team selection by The Associated Press (2001, 2002).
?Kasi is a very gifted offensive player,? DeMoss said. ?She is very strong and athletic. She has very good offensive skills. Like most freshmen coming into college, she will need to improve defensively. We are excited Kasi and her potential.?
Galloway chose Kentucky over Florida State, Auburn, Colorado and Ball State.
Jackson averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds a game last season at North Hardin under the direction of Coach Tony Perkins. She is a four-year starter for the Trojans and is a two-time All-Area first-team selection.
?Jenne brings a lot of athleticism to the front court,? DeMoss said. ?At 6-1 we look for her to play the power forward position. She runs the floor extremely well, gets to the basket and is an aggressive rebounder. She brings a lot of energy and a competitive spirit to our team.?
Jackson chose Kentucky over St. John?s, Cleveland State and Toledo.
The fall national signing period ends Wednesday, Nov. 20.
