Jan. 14, 2002

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Head women's basketball coach Trish Roberts announced that four players have signed national letters of intent to play for Stony Brook during the 2002-03 season. Asia Dowling, Mykeema Ford, Frani Geiger and Kelly McManus will all suit up for the Seawolves in 2002-03.

Dowling and Ford are teammates at Trenton Central High School in New Jersey. TCHS, ranked first in both the state and the area, is undefeated so far this season with a 7-0 record. Dowling, a 6-1 forward, averaged 13.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game as a junior while hitting nearly 66 percent of her shots (173-263). She also recorded 50 steals. Dowling received second-team All-County and third-team All-Area honors last year for her efforts.

"At 6-1, Asia is very athletic with quickness and jumping ability," Roberts said. "Her ability to defend and run the floor with the guards is the versatility that we need in the post."

Ford, who was named Player of the Year for the 1998-99 season, averaged 20.5 points 5.4 rebounds while recording 90 total steals last year for TCHS. Ford was also stellar from the free-throw line, hitting at an 81 percent clip (125-154). The 5-7 guard is ranked as the second-best guard in New Jersey and has scored over 1,000 points during her high school career. Last season, she was named second-team All-State, first-team All-Area and first-team All-County. Ford also received MVP honors of the TCHS Christmas Tournament for the third straight season.

"Mykeema is a great point guard with speed, quickness and moves that will excited the crowd," Roberts said.

Geiger, a native of Rye, N.Y., entered her senior season at Blind Brook High School in Rye Brook, N.Y., with 990 career points. From 1998-99, Geiger played for Rye Country Day School, earning All-League (Fairchester Athletic Association) and All-NEPSAC (New England prep School Athletic Council) honors. During her junior year at Blind Brook, Geiger was named All-League and All-Section honorable mention. Over her three-year career she has averaged 14.1 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks per game..

"Frani gives us the size that we need in the post," Roberts said. "She has the ability to dominate under the basket."

The 5-11 McManus was named to the New York State Sportswriters Association third team after her junior season at Pearl River (N.J.) High School. McManus, voted team MVP last year, was also named Rockland County Basketball Coaches All-County and to the Section One Championships Class B All-Tournament Team. According to Roberts, McManus is a versatile wing player that has both great outside range and post ability.

"I am very pleased with the success of our recruiting this year," Roberts said. "I feel as though each player could be an impact player right away and that is what we need with the loss of five seniors. They all come from excellent high school programs that have been very successful."

Stony Brook is currently 9-3 overall and 3-0 in the America East.