Cinco Ranch senior girls basketball standout Briana Gilbreath will say goodbye to Texas and hello to California this summer. Gilbreath has committed to the University of Southern California for the 2008-09 basketball season.

Gilbreath signed her letter of intent last November. She considered other schools such as Texas, Duke, and Cal, but ultimately chose USC because it fit her.

“I was supposed to do official visits to all, but my first was to USC and I just remembered why I was there,” Gilbreath said.

As a junior, Gilbreath was named to the 18-5A All-District First team and TABC All-Region Team. Last year, Cinco Ranch won the 18-5A district title and moved on to the playoffs. This year, the Cougars are undefeated in district and have clinched a playoff spot.

Gilbreath has been a member of the USA Basketball Under-18 Olympic Junior Development team and was rated No. 28 overall in the country by hoopgurlz.com.

"We have one of the best athletes in the country in Briana Gilbreath," USC coach Mark Trakh said in a press release. "She's athletic and can defend well."

Cinco Ranch coach Eric Bartlett, who has coached Gilbreath all four years, said, "Bri's our leader. There's no doubt about it; she's our leader. She has a definite effect on how we play. When she's playing well, it spreads to everyone else.”

Last year, Gilbreath's sister, Stefanie, signed with USC. Stefanie Gilbreath was set to begin her freshman year with the Trojans last year but had to redshirt due to a torn ACL.

"Having her here with her sister Stefanie is going to be fun," Trakh said. "They are both great athletes. Briana can shoot the three and brings a lot as far as athleticism and work ethic."

Gilbreath has similar feelings about playing with her sister again.

“It will be amazing,” Gilbreath said. “The sister act again. I love playing with her. We have a bond and know each other on the court so hopefully it will be another four years of great basketball.”

With both children soon to be gone from the nest, the Gilbreath parents do not plan on moving to California but will definitely go see the girls play.

While playing for the Trojans, Gilbreath will study sports psychology and business.

This year’s Trojan recruit class has been ranked No. 6 in the nation.

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