JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman head coach Mike Mincey has signed three student-athletes to play basketball for the Lady Eagles beginning with the 2012-2013 season.
Sevier County point guard Carly Pippin, William Blout shooting guard Tatum Burstrom, and Grundy County wing/forward Haley Coffelt have all signed to play for the Lady Eagles during the early signing period.
"The addition of these three student-athletes lead me to believe the future is bright for Carson-Neman women's basketball," Mincey said of his first recruiting class since taking over the C-N program in the spring. "We've addressed a lot of our needs from the perimeter and will get a little bigger at the post."
The three have familiar ties to each other, having played high school basketball against each other, and even have experience playing together.
"The first time I saw all three of these players, they were playing AAU ball together, and I knew I would like to have all three." Mincey added. "They already know each other and have a good chemistry together. This group will mesh well with what we'll have returning, and we are confident they will have successful careers at Carson-Newman."
Tatum Burstrom – 5'7 - SG – William Blount
A three-sport standout at William Blount High School…Has already surpassed 1,000 points for her career…Honor roll student throughout high school…A three-time All-District and All-District Tournament Team selection at shooting guard…Earned All-Region and All-Region Tournament Team honors during her junior season…Twice been named Knoxville News-Sentinel All-Prep Extra…Four-time Blount County Player of the Week…Led her team to district runner-up as a sophomore...Comes from an athletic family, father David played football at West Alabama, mother Stephanie also played college volleyball…Both brothers played college baseball.
C-N head coach Mike Mincey on Burstrom:
"Tatum is a very athletic and versatile shooting guard. She can shoot the three extremely well, but has the abilitity to break people down off the dribble…She has great court awareness and is extremely effective in transition. Tatum is also a good defender and will fit in well with our up tempo style of play…We feel very fortunate to get Tatum and look forward to her arrival at Carson-Newman next year. I fully expect Tatum to contribute right away when she steps on campus next fall. "
Carly Pippin – 5'5 – PG – Sevier Co.
A three-sport athlete at Sevier County High School…Averaging 10 points and four assists as a senior after missing her junior season… An All-District and All-District Tournament selection at Sevier Co… Won the three-point contest at area preseason jamboree…Also runs cross country and track at Sevier Co…Earned school's U.S. History Award.
C-N head coach Mike Mincey on Pippin:
"Carly is also an athletic guard with good outside shooting abilities. I like my point guards to be scorers, and Carly fits that description. Carly is really smooth with the dribble and like Tatum, she is really good in transition. Carly also has the ability to take her man off the dribble and either attack the rim or shoot the jumper. Carly really pitches the ball ahead in transition and is good at creating shots for others…Carly will also be expected to step in right away and contribute early."
Haley Coffelt – 6'1 – G/F – Grundy County High School
Two-sport athlete at Grundy County High School. Played basketball and volleyball…Led team to back-to-back District 7-AA championships…Named All-District and All-Region Tournament during junior season. Earned All-District 7-AA Tournament honors as a freshman and sophomore. Also named to White County All-Tournament and Whitwell Thanksgiving All-Tournament teams…Member of National Honor Society.
C-N head coach Mike Mincey on Coffelt:
"Haley is a good size post that runs the floor well and has a nice touch around the rim. Not only is Haley effective around the rim, but also she has the ability to step out on the perimeter and make threes…Haley is also a good passer and a fundamentally sound player. One of the best things I like about Haley is her toughness and willingness to battle with anybody…Haley's toughness and her ability to score both inside and out will provide her with an opportunity to compete for early playing time."
-C-N-