University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Women's Basketball Team Inks Three During Spring Signing Period
4/11/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
April 11, 2007
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- - Head Women's Basketball Coach Joye Lee-McNelis has announced the signing of Coahoma County's Tanesha Washington of Clarksdale, Miss., Puckett High School's Shanice Mays of Puckett, Miss., and Escambia County's Jasmine Sanders of Atmore, Ala., to a national letters of intent and grant-in-aids for the 2007-08 academic year.
Washington, a 6-1 guard/forward, averaged 21.0 points and 12.0 rebounds per game as a senior for Coach Eddie Culley. She helped lead her team to a 30-6 record and the state runner-up in the Class 2A championship. She was a member of the 2006-07 Clarion Ledger's Dandy Dozen and a three-time all-state honoree. She received all-district honors four times and was a three-time all-north half selection. She was picked to play in the Mississippi-Alabama All-Star Game.
"Tanesha has the ability to make an impact in our program," McNelis said. "Her versatility to play the guard and post will give us opportunities to take advantage of mismatches. Her competitive spirit will make her a success."
As a junior, Washington averaged 24.0 points and 12.0 rebounds after leading Coahoma County to the Class 2A state championship game. She scored a career-high 46 points against Drew.
According to Culley, "Tanesha is one of the most athletic players I've ever had. She jumps so well and can run the floor. She has so much natural ability and instincts for the game."
Washington chose Southern Miss over Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Arkansas-Little Rock and Delta State.
Mays, a 5-6 point guard, averaged 23.4 points and 6.5 assists per game as a senior for Coach Curt Crain. She was a two-time all-metro team selection and a four-time all-district honoree. Twice, she was named Player of the Year in District 6. She received second-team all-state honors. She was picked to play in the senior all-star game. She scored a season-high 35 points against Magee.
"Shanice is a solid point guard who possesses strong leadership skills," McNelis said. "She has outstanding ball handling skills that can create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates. Her feel for the game will help her as she adapts to the college game."
Sanders, a 6-2 center, averaged 13.0 points, 12.8 rebounds, 3.9 blocks and 3.2 steals per game as a senior for Coach Todd Reynolds. She helped lead her team to a 27-7 record and the regional final in the Class 4A playoffs. She finished the season with 22 double-doubles and recorded seven triple doubles. She was an all-area and all-region pick. She was an all-state honorable mention selection and voted her team's most valuable player.
"Jasmine was a sleeper in the Alabama Class of 2007," McNelis said. "She is a great athlete who is developing into a basketball player. She possesses a national instinct to rebound. She is always around the basketball. Her willingness to learn and work will benefit her and our program as she becomes a force inside."
