It won't become official until April 16, and Darcie Vincent isn't allowed to talk to the media about any unsigned recruits before that date, but mention the name Kiki Brown to the California University of Pennsylvania women's basketball coach and she's sure to smile.

Vincent, who had the Vulcans in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference's final four at IUP this weekend, has received a verbal commitment from Brown, a 5-foot-8 senior guard at Ambridge Area High School.

Brown was the WPIAL's second-leading scorer this past season, averaging 25.8 points per game, and is one of the area's top players. April 16 is when letters of intent become binding.

She received some interest from Division I programs, but decided Division II California was a better fit.

Most fans consider a full scholarship to a Division I college better than a full ride to a Division II school. Ambridge girls' coach Kim Tirik said that isn't necessarily the case.

"Sometimes, it's not all it's cracked up to be," she said.

That's why Tirik is pleased Brown accepted the scholarship to California, and Tirik should know after playing at Pitt.

"I walked on at Pitt and made it, but I tell everybody it's rare when that happens," Tirik said. "I told Kiki that it's a full ride and she isn't going to have to pay anything, and that's the most important thing.

"Plus, she'll be going to an outstanding program and at the very least have a chance to play for the PSAC title every year.

"I think that's important. We turned things around this year [at Ambridge] and once you get used to winning, you don't want to go someplace that doesn't win."

Vincent called Brown and offered the scholarship March 1 as Ambridge was returning from losing to Bellefonte in the first round of the PIAA Class AAA playoffs. Brown, who was the one player Vincent wanted to get, had 28 points in that game.

Brown received some interest from Duquesne University early on, but it came down to a choice between California and Edinboro. Callie Iorfido, the assistant coach at Edinboro, is an Ambridge graduate.

"Darcie was the one who recruited Kiki to California," Tirik said. "That says something about how much she wanted her. That's no knock against assistant coaches at other places, but when you're dealing with the head coach, it has more of an impact."

Brown also has a chance to see a lot of playing time at California as a freshman. The Vulcans have three seniors -- Katie Benick, Emily Briggs and Amanda Evans -- on the roster who will be leaving. Plus, Brown's skills should fit in well with California's schemes.

"I told her, 'Look at the Moon High School kids [who have gone to Division I programs]. They're playing 5 to 10 minutes and averaging one or two points a game. You're used to playing a lot and will get a chance to play a lot,'" Tirik said.

"The thing is, she likes Darcie. After sitting down and talking with Darcie for a couple of hours, Kiki said she sounded just like me," Tirik said. "She'll only be an hour away from home and, from a selfish standpoint, I'll get a lot of opportunities to see her play."

Brown isn't the only WPIAL player Vincent has recruited. She signed Shaler Area's Jackie Sauer, a 5-8 guard, during the early period in November along with a player from Ohio and one from West Virginia.

Vincent would also like to add another two or three this spring, possibly one or two from junior colleges.