May 5, 1998
University of Kentucky women’s basketball coach Bernadette Mattox announced today the signing of six student-athletes to play for the Wildcats in the fall.Mattox expects this recruiting class to be the best one yet in her three-year career at UK.
“We are extremely excited about this recruiting class,” Mattox said. “We have improved in every phase of the game. These players have the versatility we look for in our style of play along with a great deal of athleticism which should complement the players we currently have.” Carolyn Alexander, a 5-10 guard from Hazard scored 3,563 points and grabbed 1,129 rebounds in her four-year career at Hazard High School. She was the 1998 Kentucky Miss Basketball runner-up and was a two-time first team All-State, All-Region and All-District member. As a senior, Alexander averaged 28.6 points, 10 rebounds and 4.8 steals per game for HHS. “Carolyn possesses the skills and athleticism to be an immediate contributor at the two-guard position in our system,” Mattox said. “She has been a premiere player in Kentucky for four years and has represented the state very well. We are very excited about everything she brings to our program.”
Former Henry Clay standout Erica Jackson comes to UK after a two-year stint at Central Florida Community College. The 5-6 guard averaged 14.7 points and seven rebounds while at CFCC. She was third team All-American NJCAA and was first team All-Mid Florida Conference in her sophomore season. “Erica has experienced a great deal of team and individual success in junior college, ” Mattox said. “Her team lost a total of two games in two years and she will bring experience at both the guard spots. She has great court savvy and shoots the three extremely well. I am very excited about her returning to Lexington.”
Also signing out of junior college is Rae Keith, a 5-7 guard from Cincinnati. While at Cincinnati State Community College, Keith averaged 19.6 points and 3.4 assists. She was named the 1998 Ohio Community College Athletic Conference Player of the Year and was a first team All-Region selection.
“Rae has exceptional quickness, which enables her to be an excellent defender and an offensive threat,” Mattox said. “Her experience in junior college will also play an important key to her contributing immediately.” LaTonya McDole, a 6-1 forward from Dayton, Ohio will add depth to the small forward position next season. She comes to UK after a stellar career at Trotwood High School. As a senior, McDole was named All-Conference Player of the Year, first team All-League, All-Dayton Area, All-Southwest District and All-District.
“At 6-1, LaTonya is extremely versatile and can play all five positions,” Mattox said. “Her perimeter skills are very strong for a player her size coming out of high school.”
Another newcomer at forward is Tanesha Seaton, a 6-2 Queens, N.Y. native. As a senior at August Martin High School, Seaton averaged 25 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks per game. She was also a member of the All-City and All-Queens team.
“Tanesha is a player with many skills,” Mattox said. “At 6-2, she can post, handle the ball, shoot the three, rebound and block shots. We look for immediate contribution from Tanesha as well.” Keedra Thompson, a 5-8 guard comes to Kentucky from Atlanta where she was named All-City Player of the Year and first team All-State. She was also awarded the Atlantic Tip-Off Player of the Year and Extra Point Player of the Year. As a senior at Crim High School, Thompson averaged 18 points, five assists and five steals per game.
“Keedra is an exceptionally gifted ball handler with great floor vision,” Mattox said. “She will bring a great deal of excitement to the game. We expect her to come in and give us depth at the point guard position.” -UK-
