CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Fighting Illini women's basketball and head coach Matt Bollant announced Thursday the signing of three student-athletes to National Letters of Intent. Channise Lewis (Miami, Fla.), Addaya Moore (Granite City, Ill.) and Jnaya Walker (Bolingbrook, Ill.) will join the Orange and Blue for the 2017-18 campaign.

"We are really excited about this class," Bollant said. "We're bringing in two of the best players in the state of Illinois in addition to a top-ranked point guard. Our entire staff has been so impressed by these three young ladies, not only with their talents on the court but also by their high degree of character and integrity."  

Channise Lewis

5-8 // G // Miami, Fla. // Miami Country Day School

HIGHLIGHTS

-Ranked the No. 16 guard in the country and No. 77 overall by ESPN

-Two-time FABC 3A All-State first team honoree

-2016 Miami Herald All-Dade 4A-2A Player of the Year

-Led Miami Country Day to three consecutive Florida Class 3A State Championship titles

-Led her high school to the 2015 Dick's Girls High School Basketball National Championship

-2015-16 USA Today American Family Insurance ALL-USA Florida Girls Basketball Team

-Chose Illinois over Virginia Tech and Purdue, among others 

 Coach Bollant's Take: "Channise is one of the top high school point guards in the country. She is an unselfish player who does everything at an extremely high level and she is the type of player that makes everyone around her better. She has won three state championships at Miami Country Day and was the starting point guard on Essence, one of the top AAU teams in the country; she is a winner on every level and will bring that winning mentality with her to Illinois."

Channise says: "I am excited about joining the University of Illinois' program because of the potential I see in the team. I know with my talents and the knowledge of the coaching staff, we will be a team that is unstoppable in the next four years."

Addaya Moore

6-0 // G // Granite City, Ill.  // Granite City High School 

HIGHLIGHTS

-Led Granite City averaging 19 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game in her junior season

-Earned all-tournament honors at Orchard Farm, Jerseyville and Carrollton

-Chose Illinois over Clemson, Columbia and Marquette, among others

Coach Bollant's Take: "Addaya is a big-time athlete with toughness and drive, and her best basketball is ahead of her. She is a dedicated player who consistently puts in extra hours at the gym. Addaya comes from a basketball family, her dad was a collegiate player and her brother, Zeke, is a talented freshman at Saint Louis. We are extremely excited to have her join our program."  

Addaya Says: "When Illinois started recruiting me, I immediately felt a connection with the coaching staff. I feel like they fit my style of play perfectly and that it is a school where I can grow as a person both on and off the court. Being around the coaches and players I felt right at home; I really like Coach Bollant and feel like he and the other coaches will get me where I need to be as a college player. I am excited about playing in the Big Ten, one of the best conferences in the nation."

Jnaya Walker

6-1 // F // Bolingbrook, Ill. // Bolingbrook

HIGHLIGHTS

-No. 19 ranked forward by ESPN

-2016 IBCA 3A/4A All-State honoree

-Averaged almost 14 points per game and five rebounds for Bolingbrook in her junior year

-Chose Illinois over Nebraska and Wisconsin, among others

 Coach Bollant's Take: "Jnaya is a well-rounded basketball player who will bring a lot of talent to our program. She affects the game in so many different ways because she can pass, defend and has a great feel for the game. At 6-foot-1, her best attribute is getting to the rim and drawing fouls.She will be a great addition to our roster."

Jnaya Says: "I chose the University of Illinois because the future of the team is extremely bright. The coaching staff is great and I love the type of players and people they recruit. I am excited to play in such an amazing facility and to play in one of the toughest conferences in the country. I knew Illinois was the right decision for me and I am so excited to become an Illini."