The UCSB women’s basketball team signed two top prep players to National Letters of Intent during the fall signing period.
The Gauchos added a sharp-shooting guard as well as a powerful forward, both of whom will join the 13-time Big West champs for the 2011-12 season. UCSB will be adding 5-foot-11 guard Madeline Campbell from Loomis, Calif. as well as 6-foot-4 forward/center Keiana Vines from nearby Oxnard.
“Keiana and Maddie are talented athletes, dedicated students and special young women. We are thrilled that they have chosen UCSB and look forward to the amazing things that they will do here, both on and off the court,” said coach Lindsay Gottlieb.
Campbell will come to Santa Barbara as a well-decorated shooting guard from Del Oro High, the same high school that produced current Gaucho star Emilie Johnson. Last season as a junior, Campbell averaged 16.9 points and 3.1 assists per game. She was an All-Sierra Foothill League selection and she was twice named the MVP in a pair of high school tournaments.
“Maddie is a long and versatile wing who can really shoot the basketball,” Gottlieb said. “In addition to extending the defense with her three-point range, Maddie has worked hard on her ability to put the ball on the floor and get to the rim, making her a complete guard. Maddie also brings a work ethic and leadership qualities that will make her successful at the next level.”
Vines casts a large shadow in the paint and was the 2009 Pacific View League co-player of the year. Last year she averaged 16.1 points, 10.8 rebounds and 5.1 blocks per game at Santa Clara High. Described by many as a presence in the post, she also has a soft touch, good hands and is a left-handed shooter.
“She has good hands, a high basketball I.Q. and a ‘feel’ for post positioning,” Gottlieb said. “She will be a factor on both ends of the floor and someone that opposing teams will have to prepare to play against. It’s exciting that she’ll be playing her college basketball in her backyard, where friends and family can see her play and I know she’ll be a fan favorite in the Thunderdome.”
