MOC women's basketball signs four

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on August 6, 2009 1:46 PM

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MOC Sports Information

MOUNT OLIVE -- Two guards and two post players comprise the latest recruiting class to sign with the Mount Olive College women's basketball program.

Veteran Trojans coach Wendy Lee signed Shaniqua Clay, Andrea Jones, Alyssa Luebs and Kirstin Mobley to national letters-of-intent. The quartet join a program that's advanced to the Conference Carolinas tournament championship contest each of the past two seasons.

Clay helped lead Wilson Beddingfield to four consecutive Eastern Carolina 3-A Conference regular-season championships. The Bruins finished the state 3-A runner-up to Concord during Clay's junior campaign.

A 5-foot-6 guard from Fremont, Clay averaged 18.2 points, 4.4 assists and 4.3 steals during her senior season.

Jones, who hails from Suffolk, Va., averaged 16 points and 4.8 boards per outing for Nansemond River High School.

"Shaniqua is going to be fun to watch," said Lee. "The energy and excitement she will bring from the point guard position will make everyone around her better. Andrea is a solid guard who can score off the dribble and off the pass.

"We expect her to be a great addition and help fill a void on the perimeter after the graduation of Tomeka (Prichard), Brittney (Robich) and Tara (Wade)."

Luebs averaged 11.1 points and 8.8 rebounds per game at Havelock, which is Prichard's alma mater. Mobley, from Accokeek, Md., averaged a double-double -- 14 points, 12.8 rebounds -- as a senior.

"Alyssa gives us more depth at the post spot and will play hard for us on both ends of the floor," said Lee. "Any point her opponent scores will have to be earned, every rebound will be a fight. Kirstin is a great passer from the post and she can also score with her back to the basket.

"We expect our rebounding to improve this season with the addition of Kirstin to our roster."

Mount Olive ended up 23-7 last season, including a 17-win effort in Conference Carolinas regular-season play. The Trojans narrowly missed earning their second straight trip to the NCAA Division II tournament.

Lee's team tips off its 2009-10 season Nov. 15 at home against Elizabeth City State.