Michigan Signs Three During Early Signing Period
11/10/1999 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
"I'm very, very happy with our recruiting class," said U-M head coach Sue Guevara. "I believe that we picked up two of the best players in the state of Michigan in Christie Schumacher and Jennifer Smith."
One of the keys to the 2000-2001 recruiting class is the fact Michigan was able to land three players in three key positions: 1, 3 and 5. Michigan will graduate three seniors this season in forward Stacey Thomas, forward/center Alison Miller and forward Kenisha Walker.
"We were able to land some very good student-athletes," said Guevara. "They are competitive and have come from very successful programs. In additions, all three players are very good students. They know what it takes to be successful, both on the court and in the classroom."
Leary helped Nashua High School to the New Hampshire high school state championship in 1999. The team finished the season with a 26-0 mark. As a junior, she averaged 15 points, 6.6 assists and shot 74.7 percent from the free throw line. She was named an honorable mention All-America by Street and Smith's. Nashua has posted a 69-6 overall mark during her career.
During her sophomore season, Leary helped Nashua to the state finals and a 22-3 mark. She was the team's second-leading scorer at 12.0 points per game and averaged 5.4 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game. In New Hampshire, girls' high school basketball is a winter sport.
"Michaela is a point guard, who can also play the 2 position," said Guevara. "She has a good three-point range and likes to play tough and hard-nosed basketball. She reminds me of a smaller Anne Thorius. Michaela is a smart basketball player who comes from a very successful high school and AAU program."
Schumacher is currently the leading scorer in the state of Michigan, with a 28.8 points per game average. In addition, she is averaging 12.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 2.0 blocks. She is one of the leading candidates for the Miss Michigan Basketball award.
As a junior, Schumacher led Oakland County in scoring with a 25.5 points per game average, in addition to leading the team in rebounding. She is a four-year varsity starter and has been named the team's Most Valuable Player for three consecutive seasons.
"Christie is a proven scorer," commented Guevara. "Her biggest asset is the fact she can hit the medium range shots. She is strong and can haul down the rebounds. She is very competitive, and that is one of the things that our staff loves about her."
Smith averaged 15 points, 10 rebounds and five assists as a junior at DeWitt High School. In addition, she shot over 55 percent from the floor and over 80 percent from the free throw line. She earned all-state honors last season and is a two-time all-conference honoree.
This season as a senior, Smith is averaging 17.5 points and 9.2 rebounds. She is shooting 61 percent from the floor and 84 percent from the charity stripe. DeWitt is currently 19-0 and clinched its third straight Ingham County League title.
"Jennifer brings size and strength to our lineup," said Guevara. "She is a big girl that can run the floor. She has good hands and can go to the basket. She will give us versatility, and I can only envision her getting better."
Contact: Becky Olsen (734) 763-4423
