BRANDT ADDS SEVEN TO 2007-08 RECRUITING CLASS
NINE PLAYERS TO JOIN USC AIKEN PROGRAM COMING OFF 20-WIN SEASON

AIKEN, S.C.--USC Aiken head women’s basketball coach Mike Brandt announced Monday the signings of seven players for the 2007-08 recruiting class. Brandt, who also signed two local guards in the early signing period, will welcome nine players in the fall to a program coming off a Peach Belt Conference North Division title and their first 20-win season since 2001-02.

The nine recruits are comprised of six players from South Carolina, two from Tennessee, and one from Virginia. Eight of the nine are coming to USC Aiken straight from the high school ranks, while a transfer from Lees-McRae rounds out the class. The seven newest signees include Merita Curry, Cameron Crapps, Megan Disney, Triahna Harris, Doristine Norris, Nakia Pinkney, and Brittany Simmons. Sarah Meyer from North Augusta High School and Lynlee Satcher from Augusta Christian each signed a National Letter of Intent (NLI) during the early signing period.

Brandt spoke very highly of the class, his biggest since taking over the Lady Pacer program. "I think with the players we signed early and both the quality and quantity of players we have coming in, this will be the most competition within out team we have ever had here in my tenure,” the sixth-year head coach stated. “I am excited to get them all together. We are top loaded at the guard position. Our returning players had better of worked out this summer - or they will find themselves in a possible uphill battle for playing time."

Crapps, a native of Elizabethton, Tenn., transfers to USCA after one season at Lees McRae. Crapps, a 5’6” guard, played in 28 games as a freshman for the Bobcats, averaging 5.0 points per game and 1.3 rebounds per game. She was also an all-conference performer and player of the year in her district while in high school.

“Cameron is just a really hard-nosed player that can handle it and shoot the three,” Brandt said. “She will fight hard and compete well within our team.”

Disney is a 5’11” guard from Karns High School in Knoxville, Tenn. As a senior, Disney averaged 10.1 ppg, 6.3 apg, and 4.1 spg. An all-district performer, she also was the All-PREPXTRA lead in assists. A four-year letterwinner, Disney was also all-district as a junior and won team MVP in both 2005-06 and 2006-07.

Brandt said of Disney, “Megan is going to be a great threat for us. She has great size for a guard and will be able to play the 1, 2, and 3. She is also a very good passer.”

A native of Gaffney, S.C., Norris is a 5’11” power forward who attended Gaffney High School. She played varsity basketball all four years, averaging 17 points and 12 rebounds per game for her career. Norris was named all-region three times and team MVP twice.

“Doristine brings a nice total game with her,” said Brandt. “She was her high school’s leading scorer for three years, and she is strong and powerful on the boards.”

Harris is a 5’6” point guard from West Springfield High School in Springfield, Va. Harris averaged 8.0 ppg, 4.5 apg, 3.0 rpg, and 3.0 spg. As a senior, she was named all-district and second-team all-region.

“I define her as a Protégé point guard. She has the skills, great defensive ability, will step in and take a charge, and can drop the three,” Brandt said. “She has the chance to really step in and make an immediate impact on our team.”

Pinkney is a 5’5” shooting guard from Orangeburg High School in Orangeburg, S.C. She averaged 14 points, four rebounds, and three assists per game as a senior.

“Well-rounded is an understatement for Nakia,” Brandt said. “She is a great basketball player, she can handle it, shoot it, and defend it, and she is also an all-state chorus member, honors band student, and had a 4.6 GPA. You have to love to have players like that in your program.”

Curry, 5’0” point guard, is also an Orangeburg, S.C., native who played at Orangeburg High School. She averaged five points, six assists, and three steals per game.

“Merita is one of the quickest players to play here since I have been here,” Brandt said of the point guard. Her quickness will present some problems for teams offensively and defensively. She can also make some exciting passes to her teammates.”

Simmons is a 5’11” power forward from Barnwell High School in Barnwell, S.C. As a senior, Simmons averaged 11 points and eight rebounds per game.

“Brittany is a great athlete that can really rebound,” said Brandt. “She is pretty strong and fight for rebounds. She seems to find a way to score around the basket.”

The Lady Pacers will begin play next season in the USC Aiken Convocation Center, a brand new 4,000-seat arena.