Lady Mocs land four-star recruit

Tatianna Jackson, rated a four-star shooting guard by ESPN HoopGurlz, has committed to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga women's basketball team.

A 5-foot-10 scorer from Dallas, Ga., Jackson plays at The Lovett School in Atlanta and received Class AA all-state honorable mention last season by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

"When I visited last weekend I had it narrowed down to the Air Force Academy and [UTC]," said Jackson, who averaged 17.1 points and 8.1 rebounds a game for the Lions last season and passed the 1,000-point milestone. "We got to spend more time with the coaches and the team, and we had a great time with them. It's also close to home so it will be easier for my family to come watch me."

After impressive performances this summer, Jackson's phone began ringing more often as bigger schools became interested. But UTC began showing interest early in the recruiting process, and that foresight paid dividends.

Jackson also was wanted by Cincinnati, among others, and turned down the chance to visit some schools from major conferences.

"I built a great relationship with [UTC coaches] and I'm looking forward to being a part of the program," she said.

The Lady Mocs also recently got a commitment from point guard Alicia Payne of White Station High School in Memphis. The two guards and Appalachian State transfer Ashlen Dewart will likely be the only players UTC signs.

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