#TCCBasketball announces 2016 women’s signees
2016-17 Roster | 2016-17 Schedule
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (October 7, 2016) - Tallahassee Community College head women’s basketball coach Franqua “Q” Bedell has announced his 2016 signing class.
Bedell, who is entering his fourth season as the Eagles’ head coach, signed eight players who will join rising sophomore returnees Janessa Murphy (G/5’7”/McDonough, Ga.), Lawriell Wilson (G/5’7”/Kenner, La.), Lindsay John (G/5’8”/Cholet, France) and Aryn Tarver (C/6’3”/Charlotte, N.C.).
Sophomores Sabrina Banks (F/6’0”/New Orleans, La.) and Destinee McQueen (G/5’10”/Landover, Md.) will redshirt during the 2016-17 season.
The class features five guards, two forwards and one center. Seven of the players hail from three states (Alabama, Florida and North Florida) while the eighth will arrive from Turkey.
“This class has the ability to be the best I’ve had (at Tallahassee),” said Bedell. “I believe we have a class that is comprised of many great leaders, both on and off the floor. If the newcomers come together and mesh with the group of returnees, we will have an opportunity to do something very special. The key will be to mature and stay together as a team.”
The team will see its first preseason action on Saturday when its hosts the Southern Challenge Jamboree. Tallahassee will play three games – 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. – at the Bill Hebrock Eagledome.
Here’s a closer look at the Eagles’ 2016 signing class:
Nakiah Black (Guard, Concord, N.C., Forest Trail Academy)
Coach Bedell on Black: “She was one of the top players in North Carolina before an ACL injury ended her season. She is an all-around basketball player. Nakia was coached at Forest Trail by former NBA star Delaney Rudd. She is the type of player who can play all five positions. She can defend and score off the dribble and attack the basket. Academically, she finished second in her class and beat out by only Shaigna Wentz, who is part of this signing class.”
Eleana Daniels (Guard, Tallahassee, Fla., Leon HS)
Coach Bedell on Daniels: “Eleana is going to bring toughness to the guard position and provide a defensive presence that will make us a better all-around team. Her leadership, on and off the floor, will make us better. She was all-Big Bend honorable mention and FACA all-academic.”
Kiara Gaines (Forward, Bessemer, Ala., Bessemer City HS)
Coach Bedell on Gaines: “KG is a very aggressive player and shot blocker. She has a great knack for finding the ball and getting her hands on the ball. For her size, she has really good athleticism. She is going to bring such great energy to our team. She has great leadership and a giving spirit. She wants to push her team every day and is one of those players who brings her work boots and hard hat to work every day.”
Jas Hill (Guard, Mobile, Ala., LeFlore HS)
Coach Bedell on Hill: “Jas was one of the best scoring guards in the state of Alabama’s Class of 2016 and tied an Alabama State Tournament record with seven three-pointers in a game. She also led her team in scoring and assists en route to a 34-0 record and Class 6A state championship. She brings such a high IQ to the game and can play three positions. She will bring leadership to this team and a will to win every night that will make us better overall team.”
Japonica James (Forward, Mobile, Ala., LeFlore HS)
Coach Bedell on James: “Japonica was one of the most sought after players in the country after guiding her team to a 34-0 record and a state championship as a senior. She brings such passion to the game that gives her the ability to lead and bring people together. I just love the way she plays the game and how she cares for her teammates. She will be an impact player for us on the offensive and defensive ends.”
Rosanna Jenije (Guard, Tallahassee, Fla., North Florida Christian School/Indian River State College)
Coach Bedell on Jenije: “We welcomed Rosanna to the team after playing her freshman season at Indian River State College. She was a 2,000 point scorer at NFC – needless to say, she is going to provide athleticism at the guard position and will be a team leader.”
Sina Ulbe (Center, Kadikoy-Istanbul, Turkey, Ozel Atasehir Bostanci Doga)
Coach Bedell on Ulbe: “Sina is a six-foot-three player who brings us a much-needed post presence and also has the ability to face the basket and score from 15 feet. She was placed at Tallahassee by Daniel Prince who has sent us several really good international players. Sina has international experience, having played on Turkey’s U18 national team.”
Shaigna Wentz (Guard, Marshville, N.C., Forest Trail Academy)
Coach Bedell on Wentz: “Shaigna is one of the toughest kids I’ve seen play. She is a powerful undersized player who can play in the post and at the guard position. She, too, was coached by Delaney Rudd and will bring a high basketball IQ to the team. She will bring leadership, both on and off the floor. Academically, she was valedictorian of her senior class.”