Dayton Flyers: 3 members of highly ranked recruiting class sign letters of intent

The Dayton Flyers men’s basketball program signed three recruits to national letters of intent on Wednesday, the first day of the early signing period, while the women’s basketball program added two recruits and the volleyball program signed four.

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The men’s basketball program has the nation’s 25th-ranked 2021 class, according to 247Sports.com. Malachi Smith, DaRon Holmes and Kaleb Washington had all previously announced their verbal commitments.

“We’re excited to announce the signing of DaRon, Malachi and Kaleb and to officially welcome them to the Flyer Family,” Dayton coach Anthony Grant said in a press release. "During these unprecedented times, we are grateful to these young men and their families for trusting the University of Dayton, our staff and the Dayton community with the next chapters of the academic and athletic careers. We believe their character, talent and work ethic will enhance our vision of a championship program.”

The two recruits who will join the Dayton women’s program next year announced their verbal commitments two days apart in May.

Shannon Wheeler is a 6-2 guard from Renaissance High School in Detroit.

“She is someone who has the ability to play multiple positions,” Dayton coach Shauna Green said. "Her length and athleticism is something we need and I truly believe she is only going to get better. Shannon has a great work ethic and plays with a high motor which will benefit our program.”

Brynn Shoup-Hill is a 6-3 forward from Goshen High School (Ind.).

“She is a post player that can step out and hit the 3 with consistency," Green said. "Her size and versatility are what we love in our bigs and she fits that mold perfectly. Brynn is a worker who is going to continue to improve and I can’t wait to have her here.”

The Dayton volleyball program announced the signing of four recruits: Katie Gale, a 6-4 middle blocker/right side hitter from Seven Hills, Ohio, and Normandy High School; Lia Hawken, a 6-1 outside/right side hitter from Vancouver, Wash., and Skyview High School; Alyssa Miller, a 5-10 setter from Overland Park, Kan., and Blue Valley West High School; and Taylor Russell, a 6-2 outside hitter from Whitehouse, Ohio, and Anthony Wayne High School.

“Our staff has done a really great job of recruiting this class," Dayton coach Tim Horsmon said, "specifically associate head coach and recruiting coordinator Alyssa D’Errico as well as assistant coach Tim Balice. I think it continues a great legacy that we have here at UD. We have a great setter, two outside hitters, and middle/right side that we really like and expect to impact our program as soon as they get here.”

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