HPU Women’s Hoops Signs Four in 2018 Recruiting Class

HIGH POINT, N.C. – High Point University women’s basketball head coach DeUnna Hendrix has announced the program’s signing of Skyler Curran, Jenson Edwards, Mya Grimes and Mikaela Johnson.

The quartet of new Panthers features three in-state signees as well as one hailing from New Jersey. The group consists or two forwards, one wing and one point guard.

“I am elated to welcome this 2018 class,” Hendrix said. “Our staff feels like this is a very complete class that will fill the voids of graduation. They embody the core values of both High Point University and our women’s basketball program. We’re excited to add them to our family.”

PLAYER SPOTLIGHTS

Skyler Curran | 6-0 | Guard | Winston-Salem, N.C. | West Forsyth

PREP: Curran signs with High Point before the start of her fourth season playing varsity basketball for head coach Brittany Cox at West Forsyth High School. The guard was selected to the All-North Carolina First Team as a junior while also being named conference player of the year. With a season still to play, Curran is already a three-time all-conference selection. The multi-sport athlete obtained varsity letters in volleyball and lacrosse during her four years at West Forsyth.

PERSONAL: Curran is the daughter of Joe and Shannon Curran and has two older sisters named Samantha and Sydney. She comes from an athletic family as he grandfather, Frank Christie, played basketball at Wake Forest and her father, Joe, played hockey at UMass Boston and then for the Carolina Thunderbirds.

COACH HENDRIX: We’re excited to keep someone of Skyler’s ability at home in the Triad. Sky has a complete skill set that we could utilize at a few different positions offensively. She will add length and athleticism to our roster and boost our defensive efforts.

Jenson Edwards | 5-8 | Guard | Wilmington, N.C. | E.A. Laney

PREP: Another multi-sport athlete, Edwards signs with the Panthers after playing four years of varsity basketball while also participating in soccer at E.A. Laney High School. Playing for head coach Sherri Tynes, Edwards is a two-time all-conference selection in basketball and was an all-area first teamer in the 2016-17 season. Meanwhile, playing as a center back defender in soccer, Edwards is an all-conference caliber player on the soccer field as well.

PERSONAL: Edwards is the daughter of Cee and Buffy Edwards and has an older sister – Baley – and a younger brother – Reece. She is a member of the National Honors Society and was on the A-B Honor Roll. Her father, Cee, played basketball at Barton College.

COACH HENDRIX: Jenson is a savvy, high IQ point guard who will bring versatility to us at that position. She’s long, athletic, and has a knack for the ball; all of which will especially help us on the defensive side of the game. Jenson is a true competitor who will make everyone around her better.

Mya Grimes | 6-0 | Forward | Lawrence, N.J. | Ewing

PREP: Entering her fourth season playing for head coach Mike Reynolds at Ewing High School. As she kicks of her senior campaign, Grimes needs just 11 points to eclipse the 1,000-point mark after averaging 13.2 points and 10.5 rebounds per contest as a junior. For her efforts in leading Ewing to a 26-5 record, the forward was named the Time of Trenton Player of the Year last season. She also earned all-area and all-conference accolades in 2016-17.

PERSONAL: She is the daughter of Harvey Grimes and Ericka Campbell-Grim and has two older sisters named Ashley and Brandi.

COACH HENDRIX: Mya is a tenacious rebounder who will undoubtedly work to get us extra possessions. She brings explosiveness in the post that can be hard to contain one on one. Mya is a fearless competitor and a great teammate who we’re excited to add to our family.

Mikaela Johnson | 6-0 | Forward | Mount Airy, N.C. | North Surry

PREP: Johnson will come to High Point after playing four seasons of varsity basketball for head coach Shane Slate while also earning four varsity letters in volleyball. With her senior season of basketball still to come, Johnson is a three-time all-conference selection in basketball and a four-time selection in volleyball. She tips off her final prep season as the two-time defending player of the year in the conference.

PERSONAL: She is the daughter of Chris and Shawn Johnson and has three brothers – Montray, Christopher and William – and a sister – Malaya. Johnson intends to major in Exercise Science when she enrolls at HPU. Her sister, Malaya, is a senior on the women’s basketball team at Elon University.

COACH HENDRIX: We’re really looking forward to adding Mikaela’s strength, power, and versatility to our post mix. MJ will bring a low block presence with the competence to exploit mismatches in many ways. As a shot blocker on the defensive end, she will be a much needed paint protector for us.