University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Southern Miss Lady Eagle Basketball Team Signs Louisiana Standout
11/8/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 8, 2006
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- - Southern Miss Head Women's Basketball Coach Joye Lee-McNelis has announced the signing of Dutchtown High School's Erica Williams of Gonzales, La., to a national letter of intent and grant-in-aid for the 2007-08 academic year. Williams becomes the first signee for McNelis during the early period.
Williams, a 5-10 guard, averaged 18.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists as a junior for Coach Annette Lowery, who was the 1986 Mississippi Player of the Year from Brookhaven. She is a member of the Baton Rouge Lady Tigers AAU organization and coached by Bonita Johnson. She has been nominated for the McDonald's All-American All-Star Game.
"We're excited about Erica joining our team," McNelis said. "We believe she possesses some characteristics that we need to be able to put together the pieces of this puzzle. She is a very explosive guard who can play three different positions, 1-3. She can shoot the three as well score off the dribble. I believe Erica will be a tremendous asset to this team."
According to Lowery, "Erica is an all-around player who can jump out of the gym."
Williams earned Street & Smith All-American honorable mention, one of only four Louisiana and Mississippi athletes recognized. She was a three-time, all-district selection and all-metro for two years. She was named most outstanding player by Roundball Journal in 2004.
"I am thrilled Erica chose Southern Miss," Johnson said. "She is a perfect fit, a hard worker and a great offensive threat. Erica will continue to get better and better during her college years. I have not doubt she will be an excellent player for Southern Miss."
Williams chose Southern Miss over Mississippi State, LSU, Southeastern Louisiana, Arkansas, Louisiana Tech, Louisiana-Monroe and Tulane.
