August 31, 2010

2010-11 Women's Basketball Roster

DAHLONEGA, GA - North Georgia women's basketball head coach, Buffie Burson, has announced the signing of seven players who will join the North Georgia program in the fall of 2010.

Ashley Brown (Dahlonega, GA), Brooke Garmon (West Palm Beach, FL), Jasmine Manning (Jonesboro, GA), Lindsey Moss (Alpharetta, GA), Bianca O'Neal (Norcross, GA), Jessica Trice (Knoxville, TN), Erin Tyre (Gainesville, GA).

"We are extremely excited about this recruiting class," said Burson. "It's the largest class that I can recall bringing in and It rivals all previous recruiting classes for the most talented group we've brought in during my time as head coach at North Georgia."

"The class includes three transfers and four freshmen who have size, strength and athleticism," Burson continued. "Any one of the seven, if not all seven, have the ability and potential to make an immediate impact as a Lady Saint."

Lindsey Moss, 6-1, JR, GD/FWD: Played freshmen year at the University of Tennessee…Was the lone freshman on a 31-5 team that won the SEC Tournament Championship and made an NCAA Tournament Appearance. Transferred to the University of Georgia where she was a part of another NCAA Tournament Appearance. Prepped at Chattahoochee High school, where she holds numerous records including career points. Scored 1,681 points, grabbed 893 rebounds, blocked 396 shots, and dished out 875 assists during high school career. Named a Parade Second Team All-American, McDonald's All-American Top 100 Player, AJC/Naismith Team of the Year and Player of the Year, and MVP of the GHSA North/South All -Star game.

Burson on Moss: We are ecstatic to have Lindsey join our Lady Saints family. She comes to North Georgia from two of the most storied women's basketball programs in the country in Tennessee and Georgia. Her experience with these two phenomenal programs, along with her incredible work ethic has already made a huge impact on our team. Lindsey has the size and strength of a post player, however, she has the complete skill set of a guard. She is deadly from the three point line, can drive the ball hard to the rim, has great court vision, and her basketball I.Q will make her one of the best defenders on the floor. She is a natural leader, loves the game, and will surely make an immediate huge impact for our Lady Saints basketball program.
 
Erin Tyre, 5-9, SOPH, GD: Prior to North Georgia, Erin became the first USC-Upstate athlete to compete in the NCAA/Atlantic Sun women's heptathlon. Tabbed the most versatile athlete on the team and was given USC-Upstate's Dedication Award.  Played one season of basketball at Reinhardt College. Prepped at Gainesville High where she was team's MVP.   

Burson on Tyre: We are very excited to have Erin join our program. After suffering numerous concussions her freshman year, Erin was forced to step away from the game for a couple of years. During that time, she was very successful in Division I track & field. As for basketball, Erin has a versatile skill set and ability to do a little bit of everything.  She can definitely score, however, one of her biggest strengths is rebounding from the guard position. She will impact our team right away with her aggressive style of play.
 
Ashley Brown, 5-9, SOPH, FWD: Transferred from Peach Belt Conference member, Augusta State. Played locally at Lumpkin County High School where she is the school's all-time leading scorer. As an All-Region performer at LCHS, she averaged 20 points per game and 6.3 rebounds per game.

Burson on Brown: Ashley is a great athlete who will be able to play the guard or post position for us.  I think she has just scratched the surface with what she is capable of doing, so I tag her as "one to watch." She rarely gets tired and has a knack to getting to the rim with the ball, not to mention her aggressive defensive play. I'm excited to see what she will do for the Lady Saints this season.

Brooke Garmon, 5-10, FR, GD:  4 year starter for King's Academy in West Palm Beach, FL. Holds school records for career points (1,780), and points per game (21). Averaged 21.6 points per game, and 6.6 rebounds per game her senior year. Shot 40% behind the 3 point line for career. Named to numerous All-Star Teams.

Burson on Garmon: Brooke had a lot of offers on the table coming out of high school and we feel blessed she chose us. She is a skilled wing player that can slash to the basket and hit the outside shot. I have been most impressed with her determination and competitiveness. With her build she will be a tough player to defend. She's one of four freshmen who could see a lot of minutes for us.

Jasmine Manning, 5-11, FR, POST: Prepped at Jonesboro High School averaging 13 points per game and 8 rebounds.  Help lead team to a Class AAAA Final Four junior year. Played in Clayton-Henry County (Southern Crescent) All-Star game.

Burson on Manning: Manning brings a strong, physical presence to the Lady Saints post play. She's a quick study and hard working player. She's like a sponge trying to soak up as much information as she can.  Her intelligence and work ethic will get her solid minutes as a freshman. I cannot wait to see what she can do to strengthen our post play.

Bianca O'Neal, 5-3, FR, PG: Helped lead (28-4) Norcross High School to a State Championship averaging over 5 points per game and 4 assists. Played in Gwinnett County Senior All-Star Game.

Burson on O'Neal: Good things come in small packages. Bianca is a State Champion and plays like one. She's a headsy, gutsy point guard. There's no doubt she will be a crowd favorite. She has a deadly three point shot which helps when she decides to drive the ball to the rim to dish to a teammate. We've been looking for a point guard like Bianca for quite some time. I look forward to seeing her in the Lady Saints blue & white.

Jessica Trice, 5-10, FR, GD: Prepped at Powell High School in Knox County, TN. Scored 764 career points, averaging 11.2 points per game. Led an Elite Eight team in steals, rebounds (6rpg), and free throw percentage (85%). As an All-District performer she drained 43 three pointers her senior year.

Burson on Trice: Jessica is an outstanding three-point shooter. She was recruited as ashooter, however, she has a tremendous basketball I.Q., and really has a passion for the game. Along with Moss and Garmon, Trice offers a variety of offensive weapons. At 5'10, her height and athleticism will make her a stong defender as well. She comes from a very successful high school program and it shows when she plays. Look for Jessica to put up points for us immediately.