JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. — The Carson-Newman women's basketball program has signed three student-athletes during the early signing period, Lady Eagles head coach Dean Walsh announced Wednesday.
Guard Andrea Paphites (Virginia Beach, Va.), guard LaShawnda Peacher (Springfield, Tenn.) and center Caselia Campbell (Nashville, Tenn.) have all signed a national letter of intent to join the Lady Eagles for the 2011-12 season.
"The addition of these three players covers our needs of adding size and athleticism," Walsh said. "They were all recruited by Division I programs, and we are very fortunate that they chose us over those programs. They all take care of our deficiencies for next year."
Andrea Paphites (Virginia Beach, Va.) – 5-9 – Point guard/combo guard
Attends and starts for nationally ranked Princess Anne High School...As a junior at Bishop Sullivan Catholic School, averaged 14 points, seven assists, five steals and five rebounds a game...Led her team to a state runner-up or semifinal finishes the last three years...All Star member or MVP at Old Dominion 5 Star Prep All Star camps and Snow Valley Basketball Academy (Calif.)...Member of nationally ranked Boo Williams Elite AAU team...Been selected to play with USA teams in Holland, Barbados, and Switzerland...Member of Virginia All-State team...Three time All-Conference and All-League member.
Walsh on Paphites: "Andrea is a very talented guard who can and will play all three guard positions. She is a natural point but her size, skills and aggression will make her very versatile in our system. What sets Andrea apart from many guards is her heart and never quit attitude, her motor never stops going, couple that with her skill set and you have a very talented guard who has the potential to do great things here at Carson-Newman. When you get a chance to add a player of Andrea's ability, heart, and character you do so because in the end all it can do is help your program."
LaShawnda Peacher (Springfield, Tenn.) – 5-10 – Guard
Attends Springfield High School...Averaged 13 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals a game as a junior...Plays for AAU Tennessee Glory Black...Nationally ranked guard by All-Star Girls Report.
Walsh on Peacher: "Shawnda is a versatile guard who we believe can make an impact in our program. She has the ability to get to the rim and shoot the three consistently. Shawnda, like Andrea, gives us something we haven't had here in a long while and that's size on the perimeter. With the addition of these two fine young ladies we feel that our program will only continue to rise to the heights we want it to reach."
Caselia Campbell (Nashville, Tenn.) – 6-1 – Center
Attends John Overton High School...Averaged nine points, seven rebounds and two blocks per game as a junior...Was a teammate of Peacher's on the AAU Tennessee Glory Black.
Walsh on Campbell: "Casie gives us a big, strong physical presence in the paint. She runs the floor well for her size and posts up very strong. When Casie plants you in the paint you are not moving her, and that is what we have been lacking against the teams that get us in a half court game. We are excited about Casie's commitment to Carson-Newman women's basketball and what she brings to the table."
