Women's basketball signs two
November 13, 2014 | Women's Basketball
Nov. 13, 2014
MADISON, Wis. – Marsha Howard, a 6-0 forward from Chicago, and Elizabeth Toye, also a 6-0 forward from Chicago, have signed National Letters of Intent to play women’s basketball at the University of Wisconsin, head coach Bobbie Kelsey announced today.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Marsha Howard and Elizabeth Toye to our Badger women's basketball program,” Kelsey added. “These two young ladies are skilled players that will add a dimension of athleticism, basketball IQ and aggressiveness that we will need as we continue to reach our goal of winning a Big Ten championship as well as participating in the NCAA tournament.
“We are building our program the right way which is why Marsha and Liz wanted to come to Wisconsin. In addition to their basketball talents, both are exceptional students who will graduate at the top of their high school class.”
Marsha Howard, 6-0, F, Chicago, Illinois
Howard, a 6-0 forward, is ranked 10th in the state of Illinois for the class of 2015 by Midwest Recruiting Report. A four-time all-conference and two-time all-area honoree at Crete Monee High School for coach Christina Cobbins, Howard aided the Warriors to a Southland Athletic Conference title in 2012-13. She led her team in points, rebounds and blocks in 2012-13, being nominated for all-state recognition.
“Marsha is a 6-1 small forward who will definitely have the chance to come in and play right away,” Kelsey said. “She will step in as we lose Jacki Gulczynski to graduation at the four position. She will be able to tag team with Avyanna Young as a formidable 1-2 punch providing scoring, rebounding and defensive strength next season.”
Howard also played for the Lady Meanstreets AAU team under coach Eric Armstrong where her team claimed first place at the Nike Championship. She also competed in the 2012 USA AAU National Championship with the Illinois Hustle.
Elizabeth Toye, 6-0, F, Chicago, Illinois
Toye, a 6-0 forward, was an all-city player as a freshman for coach Dan Lawson at Lindblom Math and Science Academy. She was named her team’s rookie of the year as a freshman. Toye is also a member of the National Honor Society and has been named to the honor roll since she was a freshman.
“Elizabeth is a 6-0 shooting guard who flew under the radar last summer because of an injury,” explained Kelsey. “However, we were able to watch her extensively with her Baylor Basketball AAU team throughout the summer and felt that she was someone who would definitely add size and matchup problems on the perimeter.
“Liz is an extremely accurate shooter in that she can finish at the rim, hit the mid-range jumper and extend the defense by her ability to shoot the 3-point shot. She will add depth at the three position as we lose AnnMarie Brown to graduation. “
Toye also played for Baylor Family Youth Foundation AAU team for coach Toi Baylor.
“We are very excited for these two young players and cannot wait for the chance to assist their growth and development both as students and athletes,” Kelsey added.
