University of Delaware Athletics
Blue Hens Add Five for 2016-17 Campaign
1/27/2016 12:56:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The Blue Hens signed four to National Letters of Intent in Samone DeFreese, Abby Gonzales, Bailey Kargo and Rebecca Lawrence, all of whom will arrive on campus this summer. Delaware also added Alison Lewis to the squad as a transfer student-athlete from Providence College. Lewis will be eligible for competition beginning in January 2017.
“This is a great group of players that will be joining us,” remarked Martin. “They will all make an immediate contribution and help us in a lot of different areas next season.”
Lewis, a native of Kennett Square, Pa. and graduate of Sanford High School (Del.), played three semesters for the Friars before deciding to transfer to UD. The 5-9 guard averaged 5.4 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.3 rebounds in 27 games at Providence. A two-time Delaware First Team All-State honoree, Lewis guided Sanford to the 2014 Delaware State title while putting up 16.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 3.1 steals per game during her senior campaign.
“Alison is an athletic, slashing guard who can really handle the ball,” Martin stated. “ She is a lockdown defender and has good anticipation skills. She has the winning mentality and will bring a competitive attitude to our program.”
DeFreese, a 5-11 forward from Bergenfield, N.J., registered 21.4 points and 12.0 rebounds per game her junior season at Berkshire School (Mass.) before tearing her ACL and meniscus. Described as an athletic player, she is a three-time team MVP that also competed in volleyball and track & field for the Bears.
“Samone is an exciting player with a high celing for the future,” exclaimed Martin. “Her athleticism and competitiveness will positively impact our program.”
A 5-7 point guard from Wexford, Pa., Gonzales has guided North
Allegheny High School to an 83-14 record so far during her four seasons. A three-time team captain, Gonzales recently hit the 1,000-career point plateau for the Tigers and is a three-time All-Conference Quad A honoree. Prior to her senior campaign, Gonzales tallied 339 assists and 231 steals while averaging 10.6 points per contest.
“Abby has a really good feel for the game of basketball and does an outstanding job as a team leader,” Martin commented. “She is a very tough player that will dive on the floor for loose balls. I love the energy that she brings to the court and her leadership capabilities.”
Kargo, a 5-10 combo guard from Greensboro, N.C., has guided Walter Hines Page High 
School to two conference championships while earning All-Conference and All-District honors. She currently averages 21.5 points per game as a senior and was most recently selected to play in the prestigious Carolinas All-Star Basketball Classic, the premier high school senior basketball tournament in North and South Carolina.
“Bailey is one of the best 3-point shooting guards in the state of North Carolina,” noted Martin. “She has good size, shoots well and can also handle the ball well.”
A 6-3 forward from Ridgefield, Conn., Lawrence led Ridgefield High to the FCIAC Championship and a CIAC state finalist appearance as a junior. She is a three-time All-FCIAC selection and earned CHSCA First Team 
All-State honors last season.
“Rebecca is a versatile forward that runs the floor very well and can also rebound the ball,” Martin mentioned. “She will help our front line with her scoring and ability to block shots.”
Delaware is currently 10-8 on the year and 5-2 in the Colonial Athletic Association. The Blue Hens return to the court Friday at James Madison before facing Drexel on Sunday.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please contact Maggie Hayon | mhayon@udel.edu | O: 302-831-6389 | C: 920-912-6635
