CENTRAL, S.C.- Southern Wesleyan Head Women's Basketball Coach John Davis has announced the signing of seven new players for the 2016-17 season.
The group consists of three transfers and four incoming freshman that are added to the Warriors' early signing of Jessica Sparks (Seneca High School) in November 2015.
The seven signees represent four states and include: Denisha Hall (Rock Hill, S.C./York Preparatory Academy), Imani Lewis (Suffolk, Va./South Carolina State University), Tatiyana Mahone (Talbotton, Ga./Atlanta Metropolitan College), Tatiana Manuel (Tampa, Fla./Armstrong State University), Kelsey Ramey (Westminster, S.C./West Oak High School), Katy Beth Rentz (Clayton, Ga./Rabun County High School) and Tanayja Williams (Greenwood, S.C./Greenwood High School).
"Over the last two years of our NCAA transition it has been our goal to grow the depth of our program, which we have done," stated Davis. "We have a strong nucleus of young ladies returning and with this incoming class, we have answered some needs that we have evaluated. This incoming class understands the importance of who we are as a university and each one will build into the growth of our campus community and women's basketball program."
Denisha Hall
Denisha is a 5-6 guard from Rock Hill, S.C. (York Preparatory Academy). Hall averaged 15.8 points, 3.1 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game as a senior. She played at South Pointe High School in ninth through eleventh grade and averaged over 12 points per game her junior year.
Why SWU? "I liked the Christian atmosphere, the team was very embracing and the coaching staff showed a genuine concern about my development in life on-and-off the court."
Imani Lewis
Imani is a 5-10 guard/forward from Suffolk, Va. (South Carolina State University). Lewis played last season at NCAA Division I South Carolina State University and appeared in 8 games for the Bulldogs. As a senior at King's Fork High School, she was named to the 2014-2015 All-Ironclad Conference team, while averaging 15.8 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 blocks per game.
Why SWU? "I chose to come to SWU, because I know through God's guidance, that I will become a better person, player, teammate and daughter. Faith without works is dead, James 2:14-26. "
Tatiyana Mahone
Tatiyana is a 6-0 guard/forward from Talbotton, Ga. (Atlanta Metropolitan College). Mahone averaged 13.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.3 blocks per game in her sophomore season at Atlanta Metropolitan College. She averaged 12.4 points per game her freshman season, while also pulling down 6.1 rebounds per game.
Why SWU? "The reason I chose SWU was because from the first time I stepped foot on campus, I felt welcomed and it felt so much like home. I knew to expect great things from SWU and that it would be the best fit for me to further my education. Not only did my coaches make me feel welcome, but the entire SWU staff. I am so glad to finally be a part of the SWU family."
Tatiana Manuel
Tatiana is a 6-2 center from Tampa, Fla. (Armstrong State University). At Armstrong State University, Manuel started ten of the 28 games she played in. She averaged 3.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game and was ranked fifth nationally in NCAA Division II in blocked shots per game and seventh in total blocked shots. She played two seasons for Santa Fe College in Florida prior to Armstrong where she averaged 5.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game as a sophomore. As a freshman, she shot 49.3 percent from the floor and averaged 3.2 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. She holds the Santa Fe College record for most blocked shots in a game (10), season (94) and career (158).
Why SWU? "SWU was able to show me that it is not about the life you are given, but the path you take."
Kelsey Ramey
Kelsey is a 5-8 guard from Westminster, S.C. (West Oak High School). Ramey was named to the All-Region and All-Mountain Lake Team in 2016. She is a high school honors graduate and Palmetto Fellows student.
Why SWU? "I am excited to be involved with my community and a part of a program that will help me not only grow as an athlete, but in my relationship with Christ as well."
Katy Beth Rentz
Katy is a 5-6 guard from Clayton, Ga. (Rabun County High School). Rentz averaged 5.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.2 assists during her senior season.
Why SWU? "I chose SWU, because I truly feel it is a place that God has led me to further my education, along with my athletic career in basketball."
Tanayja Williams
Tanayja is a 5-4 guard from Greenwood, S.C. (Greenwood High School). Williams averaged 12 points, 2.26 steals and 2.1 assists per game during her senior season.
Why SWU? "I picked SWU on the day I visited. The school was terrific, the students seemed so friendly and made me feel like I was not a stranger. I have met a lot of players, but none of them made me feel as welcomed as the basketball team. I come from a family that has always been religious and we always put Him first. When I saw how the team was about and how the school helped them get closer to God I realized that is exactly what I have been looking for. The team is great and the bond they have is terrific and that is why I believe the team and SWU is perfect for me."