- November 17th, 2006, 7:00 pm
#42095
Coach Green signed 3 of them
November 17, 2006
Lynchburg, Va.
Liberty University Head Women’s Basketball Coach Carey Green has announced that a trio of high school seniors, Kittery Maine, Rachel McLeod and Heather Smith, has signed national letters of intent for the 2007-08 academic year.
Maine (6-4, F, Warner Robins, Ga.) is currently part of the very successful high school program at Warner Robins High School. The Demons finished 24-5 a season ago, aided by Maine’s 8.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 1.3 bpg. The post player, who has shot 51 percent from the floor in her high school career, led the squad by sinking 64 percent of her free throws last year.
Maine is also a standout in the classroom. She received the Noll Family Sportsmanship Award and the Scholar-Athlete Award as a result of her 92.5 average.
“Kittery is a hard worker whose best basketball is ahead of her,” Warner Robins Head Girls Basketball Coach Tom Mobley noted. “We have been blessed to have some very good post players the last three years and Kittery has patiently awaited her turn to be the ‘go to’ player. She can run well, has a soft touch for a post player and has good hands. Her Christ-like character is to be admired.”
“Kittery brings needed size to our program,” said Green. “She has all of the tools necessary to be a major contributor early in her career here at Liberty. She has played on a well-coached high school team that has great balance and should adjust to the college game very quickly. What I like most about Kittery is that she possesses the ability to bust out and become a dominant player. I love her character and feel that Liberty is a nice fit for her.”
McLeod (5-10, G, Houston, Texas) was rated by TexasHoops.com as the 12th-best junior in the state. A point guard, she is home schooled and competes for the Homeschool Christian Youth Association (HCYA) basketball team. Last season, McLeod averaged 19.1 ppg, 7.9 rpg and 4.0 apg, helping the Lady Warriors go 38-6 and reach the National Christian Homeschool Basketball Championship Final Four. She also achieved all-state honorable mention recognition as a freshman and a sophomore.
“Rachel is an excellent student-athlete with great leadership qualities and an infectiously pleasant personality,” explained HCYA Head Girls Basketball Coach Terry Hester. “Burning inside is an incredible drive for excellence on the basketball court and an unparalleled work ethic. The entire Liberty community will benefit from Rachel’s commitment to the basketball program when she joins the team in 2007.”
“Rachel brings combo guard skills along with a great understanding of the game,” Green observed. “She has a sister currently playing on the collegiate level and a grandfather, George McLeod, who played in the NBA. Rachel possesses advanced skills, shoots the ball well and can be an impact player in the future as she develops in our program. I am so pleased to have someone of Rachel’s caliber as a part of our program.”
Smith (5-11, G, Mahtomedi, Minn.), a multi-sport star at Mahtomedi High School, will add athleticism and depth to the Lady Flames’ backcourt. A three-year starter at point guard for Mahtomedi, Smith averaged 10.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.5 apg and 4.0 spg a season ago and was an all-conference honoree. Smith is also a starting forward on the Zephyrs’ three-time defending state champion soccer team and earned all-state distinction in the long jump.
“Heather has a true passion and love for the game of basketball,” stated Mahtomedi Head Girls Basketball Coach Janine Nelson. “She is a competitor day in and day out and is very coachable. It has been a gift to watch Heather mature on and off the court over the past four years because she has truly come into her own. She will go far because she has been given the tools and the desire to do so.”
“Watch out for Heather,” Green warned. “She is an athlete! Heather is a very deceptive athlete who has a tremendous upside and a burning desire to excel in basketball. I really expect her to improve her skills and strength immediately and contribute to our team as a defensive specialist with the ability to lock down opponents at the highest level. Heather has agreed with our direction and values here at Liberty since the very first day of recruiting. She brings the entire package and we are thankful to have her on our team.”
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