COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The Big Ten champion Maryland women's basketball team recently signed incoming freshman point guard Channise Lewis, head coach Brenda Frese announced Monday. Lewis, a native of Miami, Fla., will graduate from high school next month and join the Terrapins' roster this summer.
Lewis led her Miami Country Day team to the Dicks' National Championship title earlier this month, its second in three years. She earned Most Outstanding Player honors in the tournament run. The 5-8 senior averaged 13.9 points, 7.2 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 3.3 steals per game this year as she led the Lady Spartans to their fourth straight state title. She was named the Most Valuable Player of the state championship twice.
"Channise is a true winner both on and off the court,” Frese said. “She recently led her team to both state and national titles. Her high school team played an up-tempo style like we do and she likes to share the ball. She has a solid and wonderful family supporting her and I know both our team and her family were excited about the opportunities here. We are thrilled to welcome her and her family to Maryland.”
"I chose Maryland because I definitely felt the family atmosphere from the team,” Lewis said. “To be a part of an elite program and under great coaches is all I could have asked for. I'm most excited for move-in day, because once I'm there, it's time to get to work.”
Last fall, Lewis was rated the No. 77 overall recruit by ESPN's HoopGurlz. She's earned FABC All-State honors the last three years, All-USA Florida Girls Team honors, All-Dade County First Team honors every season and was named All-Dade County Player of the Year twice. She was named Miami Country Day's Player of the Year in 2016, Florida Dairy Farmers Player of the Year in 2017 and was a runner-up for Miss Basketball.
“Channise is the ultimate winner and teammate,” her Miami Country Day coach, Ochiel Swaby said. “She selflessly sacrifices herself for the team and off the court she is beloved by all.”
Lewis also earned Naples Holiday Shootout All-Tournament honors twice and was named the MVP in 2016. She was named to the Nike Tournament of Champions All-Tournament Team in 2016 as well.
“I have been watching Channise since she was in the seventh grade and have had the pleasure of coaching her for the last two summers,” said Kimberly Davis-Powell, Lewis' coach with Essence Girls Basketball. “Seeing her growth and maturity on and off the court has been great to witness. Channise was an integral piece in our team being one of the best last summer. She will be a great addition to the Maryland program.”
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