Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
Louisiana Tech women’s basketball head coach Brooke Stoehr announced the addition of two student-athletes to the Lady Techsters program during the early signing period Wednesday afternoon.
LA Tech added guard Pressley Powell (Frisco, Texas/Frisco Memorial HS) and forward E’Marriha Johnson (Paragould, Ark./Greene County Tech HS).
Powell, a 6-foot guard, led Frisco Memorial to the 5A State Semifinals with a 33-8 record, including a perfect 14-0 in district play. She led the team in rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks this past season, en route to winning 11-5A District MVP and First Team All-District.
“We are excited that Pressley will continue her playing career and education at Louisiana Tech,” said Frisco Memorial head coach Rochelle Vaughn. “Her work ethic, spending hours working on her game and the support from her family has led her to this moment. We can’t wait to watch her growth at the next level. Louisiana Tech is getting a great addition to their program.”
Powell has made several All-Tournament Teams, including the Dallas Mavericks Fall Classic, Allen Hoopfest, and UIL. She was named a member of the TABC All-Region 5A Team and All-State 5A Team, as well as the TGCA All-State Team and All-Star Team.
“We are thrilled to welcome Pressley to the Lady Techsters family,” said Stoehr. “She adds strength and versatility to the perimeter and possesses a high basketball IQ. Her ability to play multiple positions will fit great with our style of play. Pressley has the ability to score the basketball, has great court awareness and does a great job of making others around her better.
“She likes to compete and knows how to win coming from a successful high school program playing under Coach Vaughn and for Drive Nation on the club circuit. Pressley will be great addition to our campus and community.”
Johnson, a 6-foot-1 forward, led Greene County Tech High School to a 5A state championship runner-up finish and a 31-3 record, including a perfect 14-0 in 5A East play. She has passed 1,000 career points and 600 career rebounds heading into her senior season. Johnson averaged 16.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.7 assists as a junior.
“E’marriha is one of the top 5 kids I have had the honor to coach in my 28 years,” said Greene County Tech head coach Jason Smith. “Her work ethic and drive is a separator, and her toughness and coachability will serve her well at Louisiana Tech. She has done so much for our team, program, and community, and we are so proud that she will have the opportunity to do the same in Ruston, in such a tradition-rich program for the Lady Techsters. You guys are going love her.”
The Paragould native has been named Arkansas All-State, Arkansas All-Tournament, and Arkansas All-Conference. Johnson also made the All Arkansas Team and was named a McDonald’s All-American nominee. She was named the Best Under the Sun Player of the Year and the Great 8 Tournament MVP.
“We are excited for the addition of E’Marriah to our roster,” said Stoehr. “She brings size and athleticism with the ability to score both inside and on the perimeter. She plays with a high motor and can rebound the basketball. Her development in the last two years has been impressive, and her best basketball is ahead of her.
“She has a winning mentality after playing for Coach Smith at Greene County Tech and Coach Love with the Iso Joe organization. E’Marriah will be a welcomed addition to the Louisiana Tech family.”
