Nov. 17, 2008

LAS VEGAS - Amanda Anderson and Mia Bell have signed national letters of intent to play for the UNLV women's basketball team starting in the fall of 2009-10, head coach Kathy Olivier announced on Monday.

Anderson, a 6-2 guard/forward from The Woodlands, Texas, is ranked as the No. 30 wing player in the country by ESPN/Hoopgurlz. A third team All-Greater Houston Team selection in 2007-08, she averaged a double-double of 19.4 points, 10.5 rebounds and also added 4.5 steals per game for The Woodlands High. Anderson's other honors include both all-county and Houston Chronicle Offensive MVP, as well as all-district. She also played for the Cy-Fair club team based in Houston.

"Amanda is going to add a lot of versatility to our team," said Olivier. "She has a great outside shot and good size as well, which will help us in many ways on the court, and will be a big asset to our team next season."

Bell, a 5-6 point guard, becomes the first Las Vegas player to sign with UNLV since Sequoia Holmes committed during the 2003-04 season. A second team all-state honoree in 2007-08, Bell averaged 15.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 3.4 steals per game while leading Durango High to a 26-6 record her junior season. A two-time first team All-Sunset Division selection, Bell was also named first team All-Sunset Conference as a junior, and was a second team All-Southwest Division her freshman year. Bell also plays for the Las Vegas Elite club team.

"Mia will provide us with quickness on both sides of the court," said Olivier. "A feisty defender, she is also a very unselfish, team-orientated player and will mix in great with our returning players next year. We are also excited to have a local player joining our program as well."