Lady Lions Go International On National Signing Day
After opening the season with a big win over Long Island University, Penn State women’s basketball signed three prospects on National Signing Day on Wednesday.
Joining the Class of 2022 is Angena Belloso, a guard from Montgat, Spain; Shay Ciezki, a guard from Lancaster, New York; and Aicha Dia, a forward from Montreal, Quebec.
Belloso is a 5’7″ guard who’s ranked among the Blue Star 30 in Europe. She can shoot at all three levels and has the potential to make an impact defensively with the Lady Lions.
𝓈𝒾𝑔𝓃𝑒𝒹
— Penn State Women's Basketball (@PennStateWBB) November 10, 2021
Welcome to the PRIDE, @angenabelloso1!
Belloso has been a standout in Spain, averaging 15.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 5.1 steals in her U-18 league! She is ranked among the Blue Star 30 in Europe! #UnleashThePRIDE pic.twitter.com/7gu7SvsziM
Belloso averaged 15.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 5.1 steals per game in her U-18 league and earned team MVP honors in 2019 and 2020. She said she chose Penn State because it is the best place to achieve her dreams.
Aicha Dia is a 6’1″ forward who plays for Dawson College in Canada. She is described as a long, versatile, and aggressive player who can shoot the three well and get to the rim.
𝓈𝒾𝑔𝓃𝑒𝒹
— Penn State Women's Basketball (@PennStateWBB) November 10, 2021
Welcome Aicha Dia to the Lady Lion Family!
Dia is a member of the Canada U-19 National Team and led Canada to a fifth-place finish at the 2021 FIBA U-19 World Cup! She currently competes at Dawson College in Canada, where she's a team captain.#UnleashThePRIDE pic.twitter.com/fgSctrolo6
“I chose Penn State because of the culture, pride, amazing coaching staff, and community,” Dia said. “I’m really excited to come here and play.”
Dia is also a member of the Canada U19 National Team and will serve as a team captain for the 2021-22 season.
Finally, we have Shay Ciezki, a 5’7″ point guard from St. Mary’s High School. Ciezki is ranked as the No. 56 player and No. 14 point guard in the 2022 class, according to ESPN.
𝓼𝓲𝓰𝓷𝓮𝓭
— Penn State Women's Basketball (@PennStateWBB) November 10, 2021
Welcome, @shay_ciezki to our Lady Lion family!!!
A three-year team captain, Ciezki holds St. Mary's High School records for assists, steals and three-pointers. She's ranked as the No. 56 overall prospect in the 2022 class by ESPN HoopGurlz! #UnleashThePRIDE pic.twitter.com/oXxD8wpaAU
“The wonderful academic reputation and amazing coaches and teammates,” Ciezki said. “Coach Kieger was able to highlight all the wonderful things, academically and athletically, Penn State has to offer.”
Ciezki is a three-year captain and three-time team MVP. She holds St. Mary’s High School records for assists, steals, and three-pointers.
These three players will soon join the Lady Lions, who finished last in the Big Ten last season and are certainly aiming to start a new beginning for the program.
Your ad blocker is on.
Please choose an option below.
Purchase a Subscription!
About the Author
Drew Allar Preparing For Ball-Hawking Minnesota Defense
Allar has 45-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio as a Nittany Lion.
What To Do In Pittsburgh Over Thanksgiving Break
Yinz ready for break? We compiled the events to keep you busy during your break back in the ‘burgh!
Staff Picks: Where We Want To Be Buried Around Penn State
From their freshman year dorm to Mount Nittany, our staffers shared where they’d like to be buried around Penn State.
Ace Baldwin Jr. Confirms Return To Penn State Hoops For Fifth Year
Baldwin was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year during his first year in Happy Valley.