Friday, April 20, 2007

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (April 20, 2007) - ETSU women's basketball head coach Karen Kemp and her staff announced Friday that Brittany Daniels (Shellman, Ga.) and Kami Phillips (Augusta, Ga.) have signed national letters of intent to play for the Lady Bucs in 2007-08.

These two signings strengthen the incoming freshmen class for the upcoming season. With the freshmen ETSU has now and the newcomers Kemp and her staff brought in, makes things exciting for years to come.

"We are very excited about our last two recruiting classes that have joined the ETSU family," added Kemp. "Everyone saw what our freshmen accomplished this season, and they can expect the same results from the class we are bringing in for 2007-08."

With the loss of two point guards in senior Brooke Wilhoit (Sevierville, Tenn.) and junior Alisha Holmes (Orangeburg, S.C.) the Lady Bucs needed a guard to come in and play immediately, which is why they sought after Phillips, who turned down conference rival Jacksonville to play for ETSU.

Phillips, a 5'8" guard out of Laney High School, averaged 10.7 points per contest and dished out 13 assists per game during her senior season. The Augusta, Ga. native, is a proven winner as she helped lead her teams to the Final Four the last three years, including winning the 2005 3A State Championships while she played at Hephzibah HS. She was a top player to watch in the state of Georgia, according to 4Shot elite, and this past season Phillips was named Augusta Chronicle Player of the Year, GSWA First Team All-State and CSRA Senior All-Star team.

"Kami is a great sign for us and fills an immediate need at the point," said Kemp. "There's not a lot of depth at that position and we are very pleased to have her become a Lady Buc."

Daniels turned down offers from a couple of ACC schools (Clemson and Wake Forest) as well as a Conference USA member Southern Miss to play for the Lady Bucs. The 6'0" Shellman, Ga. native will give ETSU a lot of depth at the post position as she earned the nickname Brittany "Shaq" Daniels after averaging 23 points and 14 rebounds during her senior year at Randolph-Clay. Daniels led the Lady Red Devils to a 30-1 record as well as a Class 2A Final Four appearance. She was named GHSA AA and Albany Herald's Player of the Year, and also was tabbed with First Team All-State honors.

"Brittany is a true power post player and brings much added depth to the position, which is something we have been missing," added Kemp. "She is extremely strong and we know when she gets the ball that she will either find her way to the bucket or the free throw line."

The Lady Bucs still have one scholarship remaining for the 2007-08 season and hope to fill it within the upcoming weeks.