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P enn State landed three prospects during the early signing period in November, adding two players from its familiar recruiting territories while ven- turing to the West Coast for another. The Lady Lions received letters of intent from post players Lauren Ebo of Wash- ington, D.C., and Bexley Wallace of Pick- erington, Ohio, and guard Karisma Ortiz of San Jose, Calif. Ebo and Wallace hail from states that Penn State recruits heavily, while Ortiz is only the third West Coast prospect ever to sign with the Lady Lions, joining former players Candace Agee and Gizelle Stude- vent. "We are absolutely thrilled to welcome three young ladies who bring tremendous gifts to our program," coach Coquese Washington said. "Lauren Ebo, Karisma Ortiz and Bexley Wallace are outstanding students and driven, competitive athletes who will add depth at both the guard and post positions." The 6-foot-0 Ortiz was a do-it-all player in high school, averaging 15.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists as a senior to help Archbishop Mitty rank atop the USA Today Super 25 poll for 12 of the final 13 weeks of the regular season. In her final prep campaign, the four-star prospect was nominated for the McDon- ald's All-America Game, was named Central Coast Section Senior of the Year and earned second-team USA Today All- California honors. She was also tabbed as a first-team performer by the San Fran- S P E C I A L S E C T I O N into our vision. The foundation for our future has been set. "I am grateful to have the support of the administration, the students, local communities, and from Penn Staters everywhere. It has helped us elevate Penn State basketball to a new level, and we are confident the best is yet to come." Details regarding the terms of Cham- bers' extension had not been made publicly available as of mid-May. The university said they would be released after the pact has been finalized. Chambers is 113-122 overall and 38- 88 in the Big Ten in his seven season at Penn State, but the Nittany Lions made a big jump this past year, finishing in a tie for sixth in the conference stand- ings and defeating nationally ranked Ohio State three times. LIONS SEEK ASSISTANT Penn State is looking for a new assistant coach fol- lowing Dwayne Anderson's decision earlier this month to return to his alma mater, Villanova, as director of basket- ball operations. A former star player for the Wildcats, Anderson had joined Chambers' staff in 2013, working with the post players and helping with the team's increasingly successful recruit- ing efforts. "He's a winner. He will always be a winner, and I am so happy for him," Chambers said. "That's what happens when you have success. Programs like Villanova want to grab your guys." In addition to Anderson, Chambers' staff this past season consisted of longtime right-hand man Keith Urgo and newly hired former Duquesne head coach Jim Ferry. Ferry, who joined the Nittany Lions last year after spending the previous five seasons with the Dukes, was linked to the head coaching opening at Siena following Jimmy Pat- sos's resignation in April, but the Saints hired former Mount Saint Mary's coach Jamion Christian. Chambers did not offer a timetable for hiring Anderson's replacement. "We love Dwayne and we're really ex- cited about his next step in his coach- ing career," he said. "But it also creates another opportunity for us on our staff, and I think it's going to be a real positive moving forward." BOSTICK TO TRANSFER Sophomore guard Nazeer Bostick announced in April that he was planning to transfer from Penn State at the conclusion of the spring semester. "Naz indicated that he is interested in continuing his basketball career at a program where he can play a more sig- nificant role," Chambers said. "We fully support Naz in his decision and wish him the very best in his future en- deavors. He'll always be a part of our Penn State family." Bostick played in 35 games last sea- son and started three. The Philadelphia native averaged 4.7 points in 17.2 min- utes per game. CARR HEADS TO COMBINE Penn State guard Tony Carr was set to participate in the 2018 NBA Combine May 16-20 in Chicago. Approximately 60 players are invited to the five-day event to show- case their talents for the league's 30 general managers, coaches and scouts. A Philadelphia native, Carr became the first Penn State men's basketball sophomore to earn All-Big Ten honors and eclipse the 1,000-point mark. He scored in double figures in 60 of his 70 career games as a Nittany Lion, and his presence helped lift Penn State to three victories over top-15 teams during the 2017-18 season. "Playing in the NBA has been my dream, and I'm completely focused on that goal," said Carr, who announced his decision to enter the NBA Draft on April 2. "I'm grateful for the opportu- nities at the NBA Combine and the feedback I'll receive following the workouts and other sessions." The Penn State leader in scoring and assists in each of the past two seasons, Carr topped the Big Ten and ranked 19th nationally in total points with 725 in 2017-18. Carr signed with Octagon Basketball in April. ■ Penn State Sports Information con- tributed to this report. Lady Lions to welcome three recruits for 2018-19 season W O M E N ' S B A S K E T B A L L

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