Edmonds Announces Signings of Alexis and Twiehaus for 2024-25 Season
11/8/2023 11:40:00 AM | Women's Basketball
HOUSTON – Rice women's basketball head coach Lindsay Edmonds announced Wednesday afternoon the additions of Aniah Alexis and Jill Twiehaus to the Rice program for the 2024-25 season.
Alexis (Waller, Texas/Cypress Lakes HS) and Twiehaus (Tulsa, Oklahoma/Jenks HS) both signed their letters of intent today to officially join the Owls.
"We are so excited to announce the signing of Aniah Alexis and Jill Twiehaus. Both of these young ladies can come into our program and make an impact on the court, in the classroom and in our community," Edmonds said. "These two are proven winners, exceptional students who will thrive at this elite university, and most importantly, they are both unbelievable people who embody our core values. The future of Rice women's basketball continues to be bright! We are thrilled to welcome Aniah and Jill to our Owl Family."
Aniah Alexis – 6'1" – GUARD
Hometown: Waller, Texas
High School: Cypress Lakes High School (Head Coach Darrin Samuels)
AAU Program: Proskills (Head Coach Taylor Johnston)
About Alexis: Alexis was named First Team All-District a season ago with the Spartans, while also being named the team's Offensive Player of the Year. She helped lead Cypress Lakes to a 23-11 record in her junior year, finishing third in the district. Averaging 17 points and 11 rebounds per game, Alexis is a team captain for the Spartans and was named the team MVP.
In addition to basketball, Alexis is a member of the National Honors Society and was named Academic All-District. Her mother played college basketball for four years at Louisiana-Monroe.
Pro Skills coach Taylor Johnston on Alexis: "Aniah will be successful at Rice because she will be one of the hardest working kids in the gym. A 6'1 guard and with her skill set, she will truly be a match up nightmare. A kid who's overcome many adversities, Rice will be getting one tough kid ready to contribute right away."
Cypress Lakes coach Darrin Samuels on Alexis: "Aniah Alexis takes the "Mamba Mentality" to heart. Aniah "Butta" Alexis, nicknamed that because of her smooth game, is a quiet storm with the game and has the confidence to score 50 points against anyone at any level. Her game is mental. Aniah has already measured her opponent and planned her attack before the game starts."
Jason Key (Premier Basketball National Scout) on Alexis: "Aniah Alexis (Cypress Lakes HS (TX)) is a 6'1 4-star wing who can absolutely fill it up. As one of the top recruits in the state of Texas, Aniah's sharp shooting from three, smooth feel for the game, and versatility on both ends of the floor will fit perfectly into head coach Lindsay Edmonds' roster."
Coach Edmonds on Alexis: "Aniah is a local talent that we are ecstatic to keep home. At 6'1, with her skill set and beautiful shot, Aniah brings great size and versatility to the guard spot for us. She already has a tremendous feel for the game and knows how and when to take over a game, but is also great at being able to set up her teammates. Not only can Aniah score at all three levels, but because of her frame and athleticism, we expect her to be a force on the defensive end and rebounding category as well. We have no doubt we are getting a tremendous player with an unbelievable work ethic, toughness, and an infectious smile. I think Aniah's basketball ceiling is really high, and I am thrilled that Aniah is joining our family."
Jill Twiehaus – 5'10" – GUARD
Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma
High School: Jenks High School (Head Coach William Seymour)
AAU Program: Oklahoma Swift (Head Coach Amber Mathurin)
About Twiehaus: Twiehaus led Jenks High School to a 14-11 record in 2022-23, qualifying for the area tournament for the first time in 10 years. She was named the Frontier Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year and All-FVC First Team after posting 21.8 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.3 rebounds per game while shooting 52.7% from the floor.
Twiehaus is also a two-year varsity track athlete, where she qualified for states in high jump and long jump. She was the regional champion for high jump in 2022 and a member of the 2022 state championship team. In addition to athletics, she has qualified for the superintendent's honor roll for all semesters at Jenks. Her sister, Paige, was a member of the Kansas track team during the 2021-22 season.
Oklahoma Swift coach Amber Mathurin on Twiehaus: "Jill has been an exceptional asset to our basketball program in Oklahoma. She was an instrumental part in building the largest and arguably one of the most successful independent programs in the state. Not only is she a talented player, but she has also shown immense dedication and commitment over the past three years to her craft. Her skills on the court are matched by her strong character off the court, making her a role model for her teammates. I genuinely see Jill as family. It has been an honor to coach her, and have no doubt she will continue to excel in her academic and basketball journey under the leadership of head coach Lindsay Edmonds."
Jenks coach William Seymour on Twiehaus: "A lot of coaches talk about generational players but don't always know what that means. Talent alone isn't hard to find or teach. The rest of it makes a kid a generational talent. When you are not only one of the best players in school history, but you strive to be more. When everything done in practice is measured against what you do, and you still want to be coached extremely hard to be better. When you know you are talented, but you are still extremely humble, and you never make yourself bigger than the program. When you have already accomplished all that you need to and you still show up early morning and late night even if you are the only one in the gym because you are never fully satisfied and know the work always needs to be done. When you lead by your actions in the classroom, the hallways, the gym and in public without someone having to tell you. When you don't care for the spotlight and you just want to grow and see your entire team be successful. When you are the offensive player of the year in the biggest class and hardest conference in the state and you still practice and train every day like you are trying to make the team. Every coach dreams of not only having a kid with talent but also all the coachable aspects and leadership qualities. That makes a generational Talent. That is Jill Twiehaus!"
Jason Key (Premier Basketball National Scout) on Twiehaus: "Jill Twiehaus (Jenks HS (OK)) is a highly skilled lead guard and knockdown shooter with deep range from three. A tenacious perimeter defender and a terrific passer, Twiehaus looks to have a major impact for head coach Lindsay Edmonds and her Rice Owls program."
Coach Edmonds on Twiehaus: "Jill is an extremely talented wing who can really shoot it from anywhere on the court but also can create off the bounce and use her athleticism to get to her pull up game as well as to the rim. I've even seen her catch and score on countless lobs! Jill is a fierce competitor and will do whatever it takes for her team to be successful. She has great court vision and will find her teammate when open and because of her ability to get off the floor quickly, we anticipate that she will make a big impact on the boards on both ends. Jill is a winner with high character and leadership skills and someone who is always in the gym working to get better. Her future is so bright and I couldn't be happier that Jill is with us."
Alexis (Waller, Texas/Cypress Lakes HS) and Twiehaus (Tulsa, Oklahoma/Jenks HS) both signed their letters of intent today to officially join the Owls.
"We are so excited to announce the signing of Aniah Alexis and Jill Twiehaus. Both of these young ladies can come into our program and make an impact on the court, in the classroom and in our community," Edmonds said. "These two are proven winners, exceptional students who will thrive at this elite university, and most importantly, they are both unbelievable people who embody our core values. The future of Rice women's basketball continues to be bright! We are thrilled to welcome Aniah and Jill to our Owl Family."
Aniah Alexis – 6'1" – GUARD
Hometown: Waller, Texas
High School: Cypress Lakes High School (Head Coach Darrin Samuels)
AAU Program: Proskills (Head Coach Taylor Johnston)
About Alexis: Alexis was named First Team All-District a season ago with the Spartans, while also being named the team's Offensive Player of the Year. She helped lead Cypress Lakes to a 23-11 record in her junior year, finishing third in the district. Averaging 17 points and 11 rebounds per game, Alexis is a team captain for the Spartans and was named the team MVP.
In addition to basketball, Alexis is a member of the National Honors Society and was named Academic All-District. Her mother played college basketball for four years at Louisiana-Monroe.
Pro Skills coach Taylor Johnston on Alexis: "Aniah will be successful at Rice because she will be one of the hardest working kids in the gym. A 6'1 guard and with her skill set, she will truly be a match up nightmare. A kid who's overcome many adversities, Rice will be getting one tough kid ready to contribute right away."
Cypress Lakes coach Darrin Samuels on Alexis: "Aniah Alexis takes the "Mamba Mentality" to heart. Aniah "Butta" Alexis, nicknamed that because of her smooth game, is a quiet storm with the game and has the confidence to score 50 points against anyone at any level. Her game is mental. Aniah has already measured her opponent and planned her attack before the game starts."
Jason Key (Premier Basketball National Scout) on Alexis: "Aniah Alexis (Cypress Lakes HS (TX)) is a 6'1 4-star wing who can absolutely fill it up. As one of the top recruits in the state of Texas, Aniah's sharp shooting from three, smooth feel for the game, and versatility on both ends of the floor will fit perfectly into head coach Lindsay Edmonds' roster."
Coach Edmonds on Alexis: "Aniah is a local talent that we are ecstatic to keep home. At 6'1, with her skill set and beautiful shot, Aniah brings great size and versatility to the guard spot for us. She already has a tremendous feel for the game and knows how and when to take over a game, but is also great at being able to set up her teammates. Not only can Aniah score at all three levels, but because of her frame and athleticism, we expect her to be a force on the defensive end and rebounding category as well. We have no doubt we are getting a tremendous player with an unbelievable work ethic, toughness, and an infectious smile. I think Aniah's basketball ceiling is really high, and I am thrilled that Aniah is joining our family."
Jill Twiehaus – 5'10" – GUARD
Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma
High School: Jenks High School (Head Coach William Seymour)
AAU Program: Oklahoma Swift (Head Coach Amber Mathurin)
About Twiehaus: Twiehaus led Jenks High School to a 14-11 record in 2022-23, qualifying for the area tournament for the first time in 10 years. She was named the Frontier Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year and All-FVC First Team after posting 21.8 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.3 rebounds per game while shooting 52.7% from the floor.
Twiehaus is also a two-year varsity track athlete, where she qualified for states in high jump and long jump. She was the regional champion for high jump in 2022 and a member of the 2022 state championship team. In addition to athletics, she has qualified for the superintendent's honor roll for all semesters at Jenks. Her sister, Paige, was a member of the Kansas track team during the 2021-22 season.
Oklahoma Swift coach Amber Mathurin on Twiehaus: "Jill has been an exceptional asset to our basketball program in Oklahoma. She was an instrumental part in building the largest and arguably one of the most successful independent programs in the state. Not only is she a talented player, but she has also shown immense dedication and commitment over the past three years to her craft. Her skills on the court are matched by her strong character off the court, making her a role model for her teammates. I genuinely see Jill as family. It has been an honor to coach her, and have no doubt she will continue to excel in her academic and basketball journey under the leadership of head coach Lindsay Edmonds."
Jenks coach William Seymour on Twiehaus: "A lot of coaches talk about generational players but don't always know what that means. Talent alone isn't hard to find or teach. The rest of it makes a kid a generational talent. When you are not only one of the best players in school history, but you strive to be more. When everything done in practice is measured against what you do, and you still want to be coached extremely hard to be better. When you know you are talented, but you are still extremely humble, and you never make yourself bigger than the program. When you have already accomplished all that you need to and you still show up early morning and late night even if you are the only one in the gym because you are never fully satisfied and know the work always needs to be done. When you lead by your actions in the classroom, the hallways, the gym and in public without someone having to tell you. When you don't care for the spotlight and you just want to grow and see your entire team be successful. When you are the offensive player of the year in the biggest class and hardest conference in the state and you still practice and train every day like you are trying to make the team. Every coach dreams of not only having a kid with talent but also all the coachable aspects and leadership qualities. That makes a generational Talent. That is Jill Twiehaus!"
Jason Key (Premier Basketball National Scout) on Twiehaus: "Jill Twiehaus (Jenks HS (OK)) is a highly skilled lead guard and knockdown shooter with deep range from three. A tenacious perimeter defender and a terrific passer, Twiehaus looks to have a major impact for head coach Lindsay Edmonds and her Rice Owls program."
Coach Edmonds on Twiehaus: "Jill is an extremely talented wing who can really shoot it from anywhere on the court but also can create off the bounce and use her athleticism to get to her pull up game as well as to the rim. I've even seen her catch and score on countless lobs! Jill is a fierce competitor and will do whatever it takes for her team to be successful. She has great court vision and will find her teammate when open and because of her ability to get off the floor quickly, we anticipate that she will make a big impact on the boards on both ends. Jill is a winner with high character and leadership skills and someone who is always in the gym working to get better. Her future is so bright and I couldn't be happier that Jill is with us."
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