CHICAGO (Dec. 21, 2024) – The UIC women's basketball team announced Saturday the fourth member of the 2025 recruiting class. Jarius Powers has put pen to paper, committing to UIC, ready to join the program next Fall for the 2025-26 season.
 
Jarius is an incredible addition to our program," head coach Ashleen Bracey said. "She is a natural born leader with a high motor and versatile skill set.  Jarius is a proven winner and continues to elevate the Alton High School Redbirds varsity women's basketball team.  She makes everyone around her better through her leadership and contagious uplifting personality.  Jarius is a force on both ends of the court as a relentless rebounder, containing a strong paint presence, and can also stretch the floor.  Defensively she plays high motor basketball and is willing to do what it takes to help her team win.  Jarius has the ability to make an immediate impact in our program.  We are thrilled to welcome her to the Flames Family!"
 
Four and a half hours away from the Windy City, Powers has been building a big resume in Alton, Ill. Entering her third year on the varsity team at Alton High School, the 6'1" forward has averaged 13.0 points per game. Powers also isn't shy crash the boards for a rebound, averaging 6.7 rebounds a game.
 
A season ago, Powers contributed to leading the Redbirds to a 32-3 overall record, going undefeated (12-0 Southwestern – Illinois Section) to win a conference and section title. Powers went on to earn Southwestern All-Conference First Team as well as Illinois Basketball Coaches Association All-4A State First Team honors after averaging 13 points, six rebounds and over two steals per game.
 
The Redbirds are already off to a red hot start this season, with a 9-1 overall record and 4-0 record against conference opponents. When Powers isn't playing for the Redbirds, she is a a contributing member of Napheesa Collier's Elite club basketball team.
 
Powers is the fourth member of the 2025 recruiting class for head coach Ashleen Bracey's coaching staff. Aileen Becerril, Marissa Green and London Walker-George signed to UIC on National Signing Day on Nov. 13.
 
The Flames close out non-conference play Sunday at Credit Union 1 Arena, when they face off against Ohio (2-6) at Noon (CT). The game will be available to stream on ESPN+ with live stats available on UICFlames.com.
 
 Fans that are interested to learn more about our 2024-25 UIC's men and women basketball teams are encouraged to view our digital yearbook, available now on our website.
 
For more information on UIC women's basketball, fans are encouraged to visit UICFlames.com, or follow the Flames on social media through X (@UIC_WBB and @UICFlames) and Instagram (@uic_wbb and @uicflames).
 
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