Courtesy of Howard Athletics
WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 09, 2022) – The 2022 Signing Period is upon us and Howard University women’s basketball team has covered the nation coast to coast bringing in four new recruits hailing from California to North Carolina.
When speaking on the new additions, Coach Grace said, “As we continue to grow our team and the program , I’m excited to bring these young ladies in at a great time for women’s basketball. They all possess an attribute and strength that will make them integral people in the program. As always we want our young ladies to excel at all levels, and I’m proud that Howard is a place where they can do that.”
Taleiyah Gibbs 6’0 Guard Killeen, Texas
High School: Killeen High School
AAU: Hoopshop
When highlighting the newcomer Coach Ty shared, “Taleiyah is one the most athletic and dynamic players in her class. She has the ability to dominate on the wing with her quickness and length. She can shoot the 3, and create her shot off the dribble. She has the ability to be an elite scoring guard. Taleiyah will also be scary on defense. I’m excited to coach her and see the unlimited possibilities in her game. Her abilities on the court, and her character, match those in the classroom, which makes her a triple threat.”
Awards and Honors :
During her sophomore year, Gibbs earned All-Academic, 1st team All-District, and 12-6A Newcomer of the year. She went on to record 19.5 ppg, eight rebounds, and three assists that season.
Gibbs highlighted her junior year with the 12-6A offensive player of the year award, after posting 21.6 points per game, nine rebounds, and five assists. She went on to be named All-Academic and First team All-District.
Sa’lah Hemingway 6’1 Guard/Forward San Bernardino, CA
High School: Etiwanda High School
AAU: WhyNot Premier EYBL
“Sa’lah is a smooth versatile player who can play inside and out. She has a winning pedigree and does what it takes to win. Her skill set allows her to be a Mis-match for defenses. She will battle inside, or take opponents off the dribble when needed. Her personality and demeanor encompasses much of what it means to be a Bison. I can’t wait to see her thrive on and off the court”, expressed Coach Ty.
Awards and Honors:
A 2x All CIF-SS First Team athlete, Hemingway was the conference leading scorer her freshman year as well as conference leading scoring runner up her sophomore year. Sa’lah was named team captain three of four years. The California native is a 2x League All First team athlete, 2x League MVP, 3x Scholar Athlete award, and 2x CIF-Champion. During her junior year Hemingway averaged 14 points per game , seven rebounds per game, two steals per game, two blocks per game, and two assists per game.
Aaliyah Frazier 5’7 Point Guard Plainfield, IL
High School: Plainfield Central High School
AAU: Lady Raptors
Coach Ty explained, “Aaliyah is a skilled and disciplined point guard. She has a high IQ and very good passing ability. Like many of our past point guards, she can also score which makes her extremely valuable to our team. Her mid-range game is another one of her strengths, but we will also look for her to be a catalyst on defense. She is a student of the game and always looking to improve. Liyah is a genuine person , takes much pride in who she is and what she believes. I look forward to seeing her abilities resonate as student-athlete at Howard.”
Awards and Honors:
During her sophomore season Frazier was named All Conference, First team All-Area Joliet Herald, Team MVP, and team captain. The second-year student led the team in points, assists, steals, free throws made, and deflections.
During her junior season the Illinois native earned All-Conference, All-Area Honorable Mention, Team MVP, and team captain once again. For the second year in a row, she led the team in points, defensive rebounds, steals, assists, free throws made, and deflections. As a junior she averaged 14 points per game , four rebounds per game, four assists per game, and three steals per game.
Te’Keyah Bland 6’1 Forward Pittsboro, NC
High School: Northwood High School
AAU: Carolina All-Stars
When asked about Bland Coach Ty expressed, “Te’Keyah is an athletic forward, who adds more depth in our front court. She is long and rangy. She also has versatile move inside and out and has the ability to start our fast break off the glass. Keyah has good hands and is a good passer at the forward position. She will continue to improve and add to the versatility you see in our style of play. She grew up in a sports family, so she understands what it takes to win and excel in competitive environments.”
Awards and Honors:
Bland is a 3x All-Conference select, 2x Offensive Player of the Year, and NCHSAA’s most outstanding player of the game in the 21-22 state championship game. Bland also earned the High School OT Team of the Year award.
As a junior, Te’Keyah averaged 8.8 points per game, three blocks per game, eight rebounds per game, three assists per game, and two steals per game.
