Mount Olive, North Carolina. – Women's basketball head coach Wendy Lee announced her signing class for the 2020-21 season that includes six Trojans to join the Mount Olive roster. Joining the class of Trojans this fall are four freshmen, Nashiya Branch, Haleigh Crews, Ashaunti Parker, and Amari Watkins, as well as two transfers Ayonna Cotton and Shanice Gordon.
"The skill level and diversity of strengths this talented group of young ladies will add to our team are very exciting! I am counting on the transfers Ayonna Cotten and Shanice Gordon to quickly assimilate and add experience and quality depth to a talented group of returners. Ayonna is crafty with the ball and is a scoring threat on the perimeter with great range and Shanice has a strong presence in the paint and a Is a force on the boards. The Freshman guards Nashiya Branch and Haleigh Crews will pose a strong 3pt threat and bring tremendous perimeter passing skills. Freshman Wing and Post additions Ashaunti Parker and Amari Watkins will bring a strong rebounding mentality and toughness with them. I really love the personalities and team mentality this new recruiting class has shown so far- They are extremely excited to become UMO Trojans and have what it takes!" said Lee.
Nashiya Branch is a freshman point guard and shooting guard from Henderson, North Carolina. In her senior year at Vance County High School, Branch averaged sixteen points per game, along with three assists and three steals.
Ayonna Cotton is a senior combo guard from Wilmington, North Carolina. The Mississippi Valley State University transfer spent one year with MVSU playing in twenty-seven games, averaging 13.6 points per game, 3.3 assists per game, 2.5 rebounds per game, 2.9 steals per game, and 0.2 blocks per game.
Haleigh Crews is a freshman guard from Raleigh, North Carolina. In her senior year at Athens Drive High School, Crews averaged 14.5 points a game, along with 5.9 rebounds per game, 5.2 assists per game, and 2.7 steals per game.
Shanice Gordon is a junior center from Port St. Lucie, Florida. The River State College transfer spent one year with the river averaging four points per game, and four rebounds per game.
Ashaunti Parker is a freshman from Durham, Noth Carolina. In her senior year, she averaged seven points per game and five rebounds per game.
Amari Watkins a freshmen power forward/center from Richmond, Virginia. In her senior year at Cosby High School, Watkins averaged 10 rebounds per game, seven points per game, three rebounds per game, and three steals per game.
Check back for updates concerning the UMO's Women's Basketball team and the upcoming 2020-21 season. Fans can also follow the team on social media including Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
