Nationally-Ranked Class to Join Orange in 2016-17

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Syracuse University women's basketball head coach Quentin Hillsman announced the signing of four student-athletes, who will join the Orange in 2016-17: guard Gabrielle Cooper, guard Desiree Elmore, guard Alisha Kebbe, and guard Kiara Smith. For the second straight season, Syracuse has hauled in one of the top 25 signing classes in the country, signing the No. 25 class according to the Dan Olson Collegiate Girls Basketball Report.

"Going into this class, we just wanted to make sure that we filled some holes," stated Hillsman. "As we look back on this class and the players that we have coming in, we definitely have players that can step in for us right away."

Gabrielle Cooper
The 5-10 guard from Marian Catholic High School in Chicago is a three-star recruit, according to espnW HoopGurlz. She was rated the No. 25 guard in the Class of 2016 and was given a scout grade of 90. According to the All Star Girls Report, Cooper was ranked the No. 85 player overall in her class.

As a junior, Cooper was named to the All-East Suburban Catholic Team and IBCA All-State Third Team. She led Marian Catholic to the Class 4A Lincoln-Way North Sectional finals. She scored 14 points in the sectional semifinal. Prior to the season, Marian Catholic was recognized as one of the top five team nationally by MaxPreps.

"Gabby is an explosive scorer with deep range," said Hillsman. "She is a very tough on-ball defender with the ability to change the game with her speed and quickness. She plays for one of the premier summer club teams in the country, Mac Irvin Fire in Chicago. She has big-game experience that will allow her to play immediately."

Desiree Elmore
The 5-9 guard from Capital Prep in Hartford, Conn. is a five-star recruit, according to espnW HoopGurlz. Elmore is Syracuse's first espnW HoopGurlz five-star recruit since Brianna Butler and Brittney Sykes signed with the program. Elmore is the 50th-ranked player nationally, No. 13 guard in her class, and was given a scout grade of 96. According to Blue Star Basketball, she was ranked the No. 38 player in the country.

Elmore has led the Capital Prep girls' basketball team to three straight Class L state championships. Capital Prep finished the 2014-15 season ranked as the No. 1 team in state of Connecticut. Elmore scored 30 points, 17 rebounds, five blocks, and five steals in the state final. She is a three-time all-state honoree and participated in the 2014 United States U17 national team trials. Elmore also plays for the iExcel Walsh AAU team, one of the top-ranked AAU squads nationally.

"She can do it all," added Hillsman. "She can score from all spots on the floor, defend four positions, and is extremely versatile. She scores in bunches and rebounds in traffic. She is very strong with deceptive quickness. She has an incredible feel for the game and, like the other signees, plays for a very good summer program in Excel for Walter Welsh."

Alisha Kebbe
The 5-10 guard from Neumann-Goretti High School in Philadelphia is a three-star recruit, according to espnW HoopGurlz. Kebbe was ranked the No. 25 guard in her class and was given a scout grade of 90. According to Blue Star Basketball, she was ranked the No. 90 player in her class.

As a junior, she helped Neumann-Goretti to a perfect 30-0 overall record and its first state championship in program history. Neumann-Goretti was the nation's top-ranked high school team during the 2014-15 season. Kebbe plays for the Philly Belles in AAU competition, the same club team that redshirt junior guard Brittney Sykes played for during her scholastic career.

"Alisha shoots the ball with range and is a long, athletic wing," commented Hillsman. "She is a great defender off the ball and scores in transition. She plays for the Philly Belles Nike EYBL club team. She has participated in all of the premier summer club events in the country and won a high school state championship last season. Her impact will be felt immediately at our level."

Kiara Smith
The 5-8 guard from Forestville Military Academy in Forestville, Md. was ranked the No. 16 player in the country by Prospect Nation and Brandon Clay prior to the 2014-15 season. Smith currently attends the same high school that Hillsman went to.

Smith missed the 2014-15 season due to injury at Forestville Military Academy. Forestville went on to win the 2015 Maryland 1A state championship. As a freshman and sophomore, she played at Bishop McNamara, earning all-league honors. She was recently named a 2015 Fall Nike Rose Classic All-Star.

"Kiara is a big point guard with tremendous toughness and the ability to attack the basket in the open floor and in the half court," said Hillsman. "She is very long and athletic. She plays for Havoc City in the summer and Forestville Military Academy for James "Boogie" Washington, one of the brightest, young coaches in the country."

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Syracuse University Athletics

Nationally-Ranked Class to Join Orange in 2016-17

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