By ISU Sports Information
NORMAL – The Illinois State women’s basketball program has announced that Zakiya Beckles has signed her National Letter of Intent, according to coach Barb Smith.
“We are very happy to announce the addition of Zakiya Beckles to the Redbird Family,” Smith said. “Zakiya (or “Z”) will play the point guard position for us. She is a very good ball handler, who can see the floor and distribute the correct pass. Z is also a versatile scorer, who loves a challenge. I look for her to gain confidence and playing time as she adapts to the college level. She has a great appreciation for this opportunity and her talents. As we continue to build a winning culture, Z will make a great addition to the team.”
Beckles, who hails from Middlesex, New Jersey, will have four years of eligibility at ISU. The 5-6 guard wrapped up a very impressive senior season at Middlesex High School, where she averaged 15.7 points and 1.0 steals per game while knocking down 73 three-pointers. Beckles was named Group 1 Second Team All-State by the Star-Ledger, Greater Middlesex County All-Blue Division for the second straight season, Home News Tribune Second Team All-Area and Courier News Honorable Mention All-Area for the second year in a row, after helping her team to a 21-6 record, a trip to the Central Jersey Group 1 championship game and back-to-back Greater Middlesex County Blue Division titles.
Beckles also constructed a very solid junior campaign in 2014-15, which saw her average 11.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.7 steals and 1.3 blocks per game while connecting on 33 triples. As a sophomore, Beckles averaged 9.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.3 steals per game while sinking 31 buckets from long distance.
She joins an incoming recruiting class that features Amaria Allen, Frannie Corrigan, Megan Talbot, and Morgan VanHyfte, who all signed during the fall signing period in November, and Hannah Green and Deja Turner, who signed during the spring signing period.
