MOBILE, Ala. - University of South Alabama women’s basketball head coach Rick Pietri announced Wednesday that prep stand outs Breanna Hall (Mesquite, Texas) and Amanda Toliver (Birmingham, Ala.) have each signed national-letters-of-intent to play for the Lady Jags during the 2011-12 season.

“We’re graduating three guards after this season, so obviously we needed to fill some spots in those areas,” Pietri said.  “Here, we have signed two very gifted student-athletes.  We look forward to both of these players being contributors to our program as freshmen.”

Hall, who is entering her senior season at John Horn High School in Mesquite, Texas, was also recruited by UTEP, SMU and Tulane.  The 5-9 guard averaged 18 points per game last season and helped John Horn finish with a 30-5 record as a junior.  She led the area in three-pointers made (2.5 per game) and tied a school record at JHHS with eight three-pointers made against Bishop Lynch. 

“Breanna is a player who has great shooting range and one that has played high school basketball at a very high level in the Dallas-Fort Worth area,” Pietri said.  “She has great range and isn’t afraid to drive in and draw contact on her way to the goal.  She is a player we had to compete for against some very strong programs.  We feel good about adding her to our team.”

During her prep career, Hall has earned all-district honors and been selected to several all-tournament teams. She has also been a member to the Texas Top Prospects’ summer team.  Hall was also ranked the 63rd-best player in Texas by Joey Simmons’ Premier Basketball.

“Breanna is a fierce competitor and a wonderful person,” John Horn head coach Donna Capps said of the Jag signee.  “When Breanna is on the floor, you always have a chance to win. She will give you 100 percent both on the court and in the classroom.  She is dedicated to the team concept.”

Joining Hall in the early signing period is Amanda Toliver, a three-year starter from Minor High School in Birmingham, Ala.  As a junior, Toliver - a 5-5 point guard - averaged 13.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game and led the Tigers to a 24-6 record.  As a sophomore, Toliver helped Minor reach the Sweet 16 of the state tournament and finish with a 25-6 overall mark. 

“Amanda is a crafty, physical, tough point guard, who I feel is someone who can make a positive impact on the court for our program” Pietri said about the other Jag signee. 

During the recruiting process, Toliver also received interest from Penn State, Austin Peay, UAB and Florida Gulf Coast.

“South Alabama is getting a very smart player,” Minor High School head coach Walter Hicks said of USA’s signing of Toliver.  “She has a high basketball IQ and is a tremendous leader and competitor on the floor.”

Hall and Toliver are the only two players USA is expected to sign during the fall.

The Lady Jags will open the regular season on Saturday (Nov. 13) when they travel to take on defending Conference USA champ Tulane.  Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at Fogleman Arena.

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).

Signee Class
- Breanna Hall - 5-9 - Guard - John Horn High School - Mesquite, Texas

- Amanda Toliver - 5-5 - Guard - Minor High School - Birmingham, Ala.