Two games away from a third consecutive Final Four appearance, the women’s basketball program has used the national exposure to have success recruiting the past two seasons.
During that span they have added nine players, seven of whom were in the class of 2004 which featured McDonald’s All-American Sylvia Fowles, Erica White and Quianna Chaney.
2006 is no different as the Tigers have already locked up two of the nation’s best high school seniors.
This past week LSU picked up a verbal commitment from forward Porsha Phillips.
Phillips, 6-foot-2-inch post player from Stone Mountain, Ga., has led the Redan Raiders to two consecutive state championship game appearances.
Redan High School coach Ronda Malone said Phillips, who averaged 18.8 points and 5.3 rebounds in her senior season, leads by example on the court.
“She’s a silent leader,” Malone said. “She does what she has to do on the court, and her teammates follow.”
Phillips is part of an athletic family, which includes three brothers who were taken in the Major League Baseball draft. Malone said growing up in that household helped mold Phillips, who ironically goes by the nickname “Pokey,” into the player she is today.
“Porsha is a very dedicated player,” Malone said. “I think she picks up her determination from her family, and she’s motivated by the fact that she is the only girl in the family.”
Phillips was elected as a member of this year’s McDonald’s All-American game on March 29, along with early LSU basketball signee Allison Hightower.
In November, LSU signed Hightower, who Chatman said is considered the No. 6 ranked player in the nation and can play four positions on the basketball court.
Hightower, 5-foot-11-inch guard, averaged 19.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 5.4 steals and 2.6 blocks as a senior at Seguin High School in Arlington, Texas.
One player already on the team who will boost the 2006 class is guard Katie Antony.
Antony has been sitting out this season after transferring from Vanderbilt in the fall and will be eligible to play next season.
“Katie Antony, in my opinion, is also considered in that recruiting class also,” Chatman said. “She’s a kid that’s been here and understands the system and has some experience in the SEC.”
Antony started 29 games for Vanderbilt in her two seasons for the Commodores and will have two seasons of eligibility left to play for the Lady Tigers.
Chatman said she and her staff are still actively recruiting two athletes who can play in the post for the Lady Tigers.
 
Contact Jeff Martin at [email protected]