MOBILE, Ala. ? On Monday, University of South Alabama women’s basketball head coach Rick Pietri announced that North Miami High School forward/center Veronica Cherizol (pronounced Cher-a-zal) has signed her national letter-of-intent to play for the Lady Jags beginning in the 2009-10 season.

With the graduation of three post players after this season, Cherizol will have the opportunity to step in and contribute right away.

“Veronica fills an important need for us in the post area next year,” Pietri said.  “She is a long, athletic player who runs exceptionally well.  She has the ability to catch and put the ball on the floor, while also being able to shoot from a decent distance.  All of those skills make her a really good fit for how we do things here.”

Cherizol, a 6-3 post player at North Miami High School in Miami, Fla., under head coach Selena Volcy, averaged a double-double (10 points and 12 rebounds) last year as a junior.  The three-year varsity starter also chipped in with three blocks and two steals per game and helped NMHS finish with a 17-5 record and a runner up finish in District 13-6A behind current Jag and future teammate Vontrice Dennis’ Miami Norland High School.

“I’m very excited to sign with South Alabama,” Cherizol said.  “I am really looking forward to the opportunity to play at USA and continue to work hard and get better as a player.”

As a junior, she was selected as team’s Defensive Player of the Year and earned Honorable Mention All-County honors.  Against Miami Jackson High School, Cherizol posted a season-best 26 rebounds.  She also recorded a season-high seven blocks against Douglas High School last season. 

“I fully expect Veronica to bring a hard-working attitude to South Alabama,” Volcy said.  “She is a very versatile player with great athleticism and a never quit attitude that you just can’t teach.”

During her prep career, Cherizol has been a three-sport athlete for the Chargers, lettering her freshman and sophomore seasons in track, while also lettering three years in volleyball, where as a junior, she was named second team All-Dade County.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com.  Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

South Alabama Women’s Basketball Early Signing Class

Veronica Cherizol ? 6-3 ? Forward/Center

Miami, Fla. (North Miami Beach High School)

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