Girls’ basketball: Marinacci chooses early, selects USC

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Christina Marinacci, left, a junior at Foothill and one of the Southland’s outstanding players, made a verbal commitment to USC on Wednesday.

A 6-foot-1 guard/forward, Marinacci said she was a perfect fit with Coach Mark Trakh and his staff, her future teammates and the location.

‘I have a younger brother who’s going into high school next year and I’d like to be able to watch him and see him on weekends,’ Marinacci said of her brother, James, who plays football, basketball and volleyball. ‘That was one of the main reasons, and I love what they offer academically.’

USC has compiled plenty of talent. Marinacci is ranked No. 17 among all prospects in the Class of 2009. Two more players the Trojans are adding next season, Ashley Corral of Battleground (Wash.) Prairie and Briana Gilbreath of Katy (Texas) Cinco Ranch, finished 1-2 in the three-point shooting contest Tuesday during McDonald’s All-American Game festivities.

-- Martin Henderson

-- Image by Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times