Ladyjacks Sign Two on Signing Day
11/11/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 11, 2009
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Nia Bradford (Missouri City, Texas) and Sha Turner (Duncanville, Texas) signed National Letters of Intent with Stephen F. Austin announced Ladyjack head coach Lee Ann Riley Wednesday afternoon.
"We are very pleased and excited about Sha and Nia joining our Ladyjack family," said Riley. "They are both versatile and dynamic players who will make an immediate impact on our program. I have to commend Coach (Taqueta) Braxton, Coach (Meredith) Doyle and Coach (Jimmy) Stellato for their recruiting efforts in signing these young ladies."
Bradford is a 5-11, guard who will fill a huge need for the Ladyjacks with senior Whitney Cormier exhausting her eligibility at the end of the year. Bradford is similar to Cormier with a slashing style of play. She brings added size, and a good mid-range game to the position.
"Nia brings size and athleticism to our guard position," said Riley. "Nia can beat people off the dribble or spot up and hit the perimeter shot. With her size, she will be able to score inside over smaller guards. She also has the speed and quickness to score in our transition game. Playing for coach Diamond Jackson at Marshall High School, which plays in one of the toughest districts in the state, Nia has been exposed to a very high level of basketball."
Bradford is a strong offensive player, who works hard on both ends of the floor. She has averaged 12 points, five rebounds, three blocks and two assists per game during her prep career.
"SFA is the perfect place for me," said Bradford. "I feel strong about my decision and look forward to making a huge impact. My passion for the game is undeniable; I aspire to get better everyday, every game.
"It was a pleasure to have an incredible athlete like Nia play for our program. Her positive attitude, along with outstanding skills will make Nia a joy to watch over the next four years," added Chris Johnson, CyFair Premier head coach.
Turner is a 6-0 post player who has averaged just under 10 points and eight rebounds for powerhouse Duncanville High School. A four-year letterwinner, Turner was named the district offensive player of the year following her junior season, and has also been an all-area selection.
"SFA is a perfect fit for me and even my family," said Turner. "It feels like home. My mother has been able to attend just about every game I've played. With SFA being so close to home I know she will be able to attend some home games. That is very important to me.
"I'm also grateful that SFA has given me an opportunity to continue my education and basketball career. This is the first day of the rest of my life," added Turner.
Turner has been widely considered one of the top players in the state. A 2009 TABC 5A All-Region selection, Turner has also earned TABC all-state recognition as well. She closed out her junior season by earning Dallas Morning News Second-Team All-Area honors and district offensive MVP honors, while guiding Duncanville to the regional quarterfinals.
"Sha is a great sign for our program," said Riley. "A versatile player, Sha can score on the block and come out and beat you from the perimeter. One of her strengths that we really liked is her ability to rebound. Being a little undersized for a post, she does not back down to anyone down low, and has the skills to play on the perimeter. Coming from Duncanville High School, one of the top high school programs in the country under head coach Cathy Self-Morgan, she knows what it takes to be a winner. Sha spent her summers playing for the national power DFW Elite AAU team."
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