Nov. 8, 2006
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - UCF head women's basketball coach Gail Striegler announced the signing of junior college transfer Wanya Brown (Albany, Ga.) and prep standouts Shunice Hardy (Lithonia Ga.), Angelica Mealing (Decatur, Ga.) and Stacy Griffith (Fredericksburg, Va.) to National Letters of Intent on Wednesday.
A 6-foot-4 center who plays at Seward Community College in Liberal, Kan., Brown was recently named one of the top junior college players by Collegiate Girl's Basketball Report. She comes from an SCCC team that finished last season with a 25-7 record. Brown graduated from Dougherty High School, where she averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds per game during her career was named regional player of the year a sophomore.
"Wanya is going to be a power in the middle. She's a strong post who finishes on the block and makes opposing players adjust their shot," said Striegler.
Hardy, a 6-foot-1 three-guard from Stephenson High School, averaged 16 points and eight rebounds per game during her junior year, earning all-state honors and the region's defensive player of the year award for her efforts. She helped guide her SHS team to a 22-4 record and an appearance in the state final four. Hardy is ranked No. 72 in the nation according to the Collegiate Girls Basketball Report.
"Shunice is a tall, lanky guard," said Striegler. "She can put the ball on the floor and create plays but can also shoot the three."
A 5-foot-9 point guard, Mealing put up 16 points and six assists per game last season as her Avondale High School team won the state tournament. She is an all-state player who is ranked 20th in her position by the Collegiate Girls Basketball Report.
"Angelica handles the ball well both ways," said Striegler. "She has the potential to become a real leader on the floor."
Griffith is a 6-foot-1 power forward out of Riverbend High School, where she averaged 12 points and 10 rebounds per contest last season and earned both all-region and all-district recognition. She helped her high school team post a record of 24-2 and advance to the state quarterfinals.
"Stacy is a very athletic high post who also has a 12-foot jump shot. She'll fit very well into our system," said Striegler. "We're excited to have each one of these impressive student-athletes join our program. They will all be instrumental in helping the Golden Knights reach the next level."
The UCF women's basketball team opens the season at Appalachian State on Saturday, Nov. 11. The Golden Knights' first home game is against Fairleigh Dickinson on Friday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. in the UCF Arena. Tickets for home contests are available by calling (407) UCF-1000.
For the latest news and information on the Golden Knights, tickets or apparel log on to www.ucfathletics.com - the official site for UCF athletics.