Lady Eagles Add Five in Early Signing Period
Nov. 21, 2008
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - The Carson-Newman women's basketball team has added five players for the 2009-'10 season, head coach Dean Walsh announced Friday.
Courdne Miles (Graham, N.C.), Dominique Jackson (David, Fla.), Candis Clear (Memphis, Tenn.), Natasha Phillips (Clarkrange, Tenn.), and Whitney Moody (Blountsville, Tenn.) will all don the orange and blue next season after signing National Letters of Intent in the early signing period.
"We think that on paper this could be the best overall recruiting class we have brought in here during my tenure," Walsh said of his five signees. "All of these young ladies could make an immediate impact next year. We have addressed all of our needs, from added depth in the paint, increased athleticism and speed, to the ability to shoot from the perimeter. The excitement level is high at the Creek for the future of the Lady Eagle basketball program."
Miles is a 5-foot-11 forward from Graham High School in Graham, N.C. Over the last two seasons, she has helped her team to an 83-11 record and back-to-back state championship game appearance. During her junior season, she averaged nine points, six rebounds, two blocks, and two steals while shooting 51 percent from the floor.
Miles was named the East Region tournament MVP as a junior, also earning All-Mid State honors.
"Courdne has tremendous athleticism," Walsh said. "The numbers she is putting up are for basically a half a game due to the team's success. She is a powerful post player who can rebound with anyone. She is a good shot-blocker and a quick defender that can get out and run."
Jackson will join Miles in the Lady Eagles front court next season. The Nova High School product has helped lead her team to a 72-14 record and a pair of regional final appearances.
The Daive, Fla. native Jackson averaged 11.7 points and 10.3 rebounds as a junior. She has been named a tournament MVP five times, as well as taking All-District and All-Conference honors twice.
"Dominique brings another athletic dimension to our style of play," Walsh said. "She is a relentless rebounder who runs the floor like a guard. We like her ability to defend her opponents' best perimeter player, which we hope will transfer over to our level."
Clear is 5-5 guard from Memphis East High School in Memphis, Tenn. The two-guard has seen her team post a 92-29 record the past two seasons, reaching the state tournament both years. She averaged 11 points and six boards her junior year, shooting 42 percent from behind the arc and 80 percent at the line.
A three-time All-Shelby Metro and All-District player, Clear was named Best of the Preps and All-State as a junior. She was named a Basketball Times in Tennessee magazine Top 25 Prospect, and has also been rated a Top 10 Memphis-area prospect.
"Candis could be an impact player for us next season," Walsh said of Clear, who could be record-setter Ashley Tipton's replacement next season. "Her ability to score from anywhere on the floor is tremendous. She has great range and accuracy but can also go by you with her quickness. She will also be able to play any of the guard positions. She is one of the top guards in the Memphis-area, and is also a 4.0 student."
Phillips is a 6-foot combo guard-forward from Clarkrange High School. Her team has reached the state tournament each of the last three seasons, and has played for a state title.
As a junior, Phillips averaged 14 points, six rebounds, and two blocks while shooting 57 percent from the floor and 45 percent from the three. She has already scored almost 1,400 points heading into her senior year.
The Clarkrange, Tenn. native has been named All-District, All Tri-Lakes, and All-Upper Cumberland County three times. She has also been named Tri-Lakes MVP, All-Region, TSSAA All-State twice. She joins Clear as a Basketball Times in Tennessee magazine Top 25 Prospect
"Tasha brings to the program a winning tradition and a lot of versatility, Walsh said of the most versatile player in his class."She can play the three through five spots on the floor. Her motor never stops. When you combine that with her ability to post up and shoot the three, then you have a special player."
Moody is a 5-10 combo guard from Sullivan Central High School. A three-time All-Conference selection, she averaged 18 points, six rebounds, three assists, and three steals per game last season. To date, she has scored over 1,200 career points while shooting nearly 40 percent from behind the arc.
"Whitney brings us size to all three guard positions," Walsh said. "She can play the point or two, but because of her strength and rebounding ability, she'll also see time at the three. Whitney's competitive nature and her tenacity on the court will only help her to get better. I think she could be a perfect fit for our style and she definitely adds to an already stellar recruiting class."
Carson-Newman is 2-0 and travels to Anderson, S.C. on Saturday for a 2 p.m. showdown with preseason No. 24 Anderson University.
