ODU: Lose a Pryncess, gain a Queen

Click here for a complete rundown of all schools' 2011 verbal commitments

Pryncess Tate-Dublin and Carolann Cloutier may have wanted out, but there's apparently no shortage of players who want in at Old Dominion. The latest two verbal commitments for 2011, as reported by The Virginian-Pilot: burly 5-11 forward Queen Tiye Jackson from Trenton Catholic (N.J.) and 5-7 combo guard Myeisha Hall of Palm Beach Lakes (Fla.). That makes four verbals for the Lady Monarchs (point guard Ashley Betz-White and forward Tiffany Minor are the others). Wendy Larry sure seems to have stepped up her recruiting game.

Jackson is especially intriguing, in part because of who else wanted her; NCAA Tournament qualifiers St. John's and Temple were apparently among her finalists. Also, Jackson reportedly visited ODU last weekend. If true, we wonder if the frenzied atmosphere surrounding Saturday's ODU-William and Mary football game helped nudge her to Norfolk.

Jackson is a high school teammate of 5-9 forward Miah Register, who recently gave a verbal to Richmond over, after considering, among other schools, Old Dominion.

Here's what ESPN thought of Jackson after the JFK Challenge Tournament in New York last January:

Jackson at 6 feet is a player who straddles the line between post and wing. She is a strong ball handler and has the ability to create her own shot off the dribble. Her solid build makes her a physical presence on the floor, and she does a great job of scoring in the paint from the low and high post. Jackson has good form on her jump shot and her range extends out to the 3-point line. She is a passionate and competitive player, which was evident in the way she played after Trenton Catholic's coach was ejected and the game was temporarily suspended. Jackson kept her head and the energy she infused into her teammates helped the team play through adverse circumstances. Right now Jackson has several Big East, A-10 and CAA schools interested and after this weekend's display of skill and character she will have plenty more.

And here's ESPN's take on Hall after an AAU event in July:

Her athleticism, size and length for the guard position are up there with the best in the class. She is the type of defender that once the opposition shows a weakness she is going to lock in on it and turn the player over. She can pick up 94 feet or pressure in the quarter-court. She showed some explosiveness on offense, scoring on some slashing moves from the wing. Continued development is needed in creating for herself but she doesn't need it to earn minutes with what she's capable of as a defender.