AIKEN, S.C. – University of South Carolina Aiken head women's basketball coach Mike Brandt announced the signing of Emily O'Rourke and Mackenzie Reese to a National Letter of Intent during the early signing period on Thursday, Nov. 18.

Both players will join the USC Aiken women's program out of the state of Wisconsin.

O'Rourke joins the USC Aiken women's basketball program out of Baraboo High School in Baraboo, Wis. Reese will join the Pacer women's program out of Edgewood High School in Madison, Wis.

O'Rourke and Reese were AAU teammates for Team Wisconsin, playing in the AAU National Championships in Orlando, Fla. in July of 2010.

"Once again, we are just thrilled with our early signings," noted Brandt. "Last year, we were so fortunate to sign two quality players in the early signing period. This year is no exception as both Mackenzie and Emily are not only outstanding players, but great students and people as well. For us to offer and sign players early – they have to be just a great fit for us. Both of them had division I interests and just chose Division II – which is the level of players needed to compete in the PBC.

"Mackenzie will complement our returning players with her outstanding defense and combination inside and outside offensive firepower. Emily is solid as a rock and a very good athlete. With her size and strength, she will be able to be a factor in the very physical PBC. I anticipate her having a great high school season and feel that she will really blossom as a player. Both are stereotypical 'Midwestern' fundamental players – and should be immediate impact players when they get on campus."

A 6-foot-2 post player, O'Rourke led Baraboo last season by averaging 7.6 points and 6.5 rebounds per game as a junior. She was selected to the Badger North First Team All-Conference team in 2009. She was an Honorable Mention All-Conference performer as a sophomore.

O'Rourke was also an Honorable Mention All-Conference swimmer as a freshman, sophomore and junior. She was accepted into the National Honor Society during her junior year.

A 5-foot-10 swing player, Reese averaged 12 points and 7.5 rebounds per game as a junior for Edgewood. She was named to the Badger South All-Conference First Team, All-City First Team, and All-Area Second Team her junior year and All-Conference Honorable Mention and All-City Second Team as a sophomore.

She has been chosen All-Conference in soccer and volleyball as well as basketball. In soccer, Reese scored a last-second overtime goal to help Edgewood claim the 2009 WIAA Division II state championship.

Reese is a member of the Edgewood National Honor Society.