Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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ND SPORTS Lone Star State that the Fighting Irish were recruiting had given earlier com‑ mitments elsewhere: No. 2 Joyner Holmes (Texas) and No. 15 Ciera John‑ son (Louisville). In 2017, Notre Dame's post concentra‑ tion is likely to center on another Texan, 6‑4 Jade Williams, who is ranked No. 19 by ESPNHoopGurlz. Unless there is a late, unexpected ad‑ dition, this will be the second straight year Notre Dame will not sign a true low‑post player — although the pres‑ ence of 6‑3 sophomore Brianna Turner, the 2014 Gatorade National Player of The Year, gives Notre Dame one of the best in the game the next three years. Notre Dame has three McDonald's All‑Americans in the backcourt in this year's freshman class with 5‑11 Marina Mabrey, 5‑8 Arike Ogunbowale and 5‑10 Ali Patberg. This year 's early signing period, which lasts from Nov. 11‑18, is expected to include two additions for 2016: 6‑2 Kentucky forward Erin Boley and 5‑11 Indiana scoring machine Jackie Young in the backcourt. ESPN ranks Boley as the nation's No. 5 player and has Young at No. 11. Notre Dame has eight McDonald's All‑Americans on its current roster, and next year probably will have nine with Boley and Young both enrolling, while senior guard Michaela Mabrey gradu‑ ates. Landing a top post player to comple‑ ment and ultimately succeed Turner will be a priority in the ensuing recruiting cycle. ✦ BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED • P.O. BOx 2331 • DURhAm, NC 27702 1-800-421-7751 • www.BlueGoldOnline.com Notre Dame Panoramic Puzzle — $19.95 each + $8.00 S&H* 1,000 Pieces • Size 39"x13" Trivia Note: This picture was actually taken at the 10-22-11 ND vs. USC game. *Puzzle may be dropshipped direct from the manufacturer. Shipping in continental U.S. only. Please add sales tax if you live in NC (7.5%), MI (6%) or IN (7%).