Report: Top-50 player commits to UK women

Jefferson among best shooting guards

By Jennifer Smith / jsmith3@herald-leader.com

The Kentucky women have snagged yet another top-50 player for next season.

Laquinta Jefferson, a 6-foot swing player from Lavergne, Tenn., has committed to the Cats and Coach Matthew Mitchell, according to several recruiting services.

Both BlueStar Basketball and Hoopgurlz.com are reporting that Jefferson is UK-bound.

Tom Insell, her AAU coach with the national champion Tennessee Flight, couldn't be reached Friday.

BlueStar Basketball has Jefferson ranked as the 45th best player in the nation.

The recruiting service ranks two other UK commitments in its top 50, including guard and AAU teammate Jennifer O'Neill (No. 25) and Nelson County's Samantha Drake (No. 49).

Hoopgurlz.com, which has Jefferson rated at No. 64 in the nation and as the 16th best shooting guard in the country, said the player who averaged 17.4 points last season for her high school team, has potential.

"She can be one of the best players on any floor she steps," the evaluation on the site said. "She also can disappear for plays at a time. With all the tools that she has and brings to her game, her consistency has got to become something that can be counted on. If it does, she'll reach new heights and excel at the college level."

Jefferson is the fifth commitment for the Class of 2010 for Kentucky along with O'Neill, Drake, Maegan Conwright of Texas and Sarah Beth Barnette of Lexington Christian.