Lady Cardinals Sign Janique Garrett of Lufkin :: Garrett is first member of Lady Cardinals 2005-06 recruiting class

April 19, 2005

BEAUMONT - The Lamar women's basketball team inked its first recruit for the 2005-06 season, as Janique Garrett of Lufkin signed a national letter of intent to play for the Lady Cardinals last week, according to head coach Leonard Drake.

A 5-6 point guard, Garrett averaged 15 points and four assists in her senior season at Lufkin High School. She earned first team all-district, defensive MVP and first team all-region honors while guiding LHS to the regional round of the playoffs.

"She (Janique) is a combo style point guard in that she can run the offense and distribute the ball, but she can also score," Drake said of Garrett. "She's the first recruit from east Texas that we've signed since I've been here. She's a highly regarded player and we're really excited about her signing with Lamar."

The two-time, first team all-district selection earned MVP honors at several summer camps during her high school career, while also recording `Offensive Player of the Year' as a junior. A four-year letter winner at Lufkin, Garrett was recruited by several Southland Conference schools before ultimately choosing Lamar. She cited her official visit as a contributing factor for her decision.

"They (coaching staff) made me feel really welcome and the players also made me feel welcome," Garrett stated. "I also fell in love with the Montagne Center."

Once she arrives at Lamar, the collegiate freshman-to-be plans to pursue a degree in either criminal justice or communications. She also has plans to bring something extra to the court as a Lady Cardinal.

"I think I can bring a little more quickness and energy to the team," Garrett said of what she anticipates in her first season at Lamar. "I'm just excited to be playing college ball. It's my dream."