Tide Women's Basketball Adds In-State Standout
5/23/2002 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
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TUSCALOOSA – University of Alabama women’s basketball head coach Rick Moody announced the signing of in-state standout Dee Merriweather to a national letter-of-intent to attend UA and play for the Crimson Tide next season.
Merriweather, a 6-4 center from Hanceville, Ala., was a four-year letterwinner at Hanceville High School. She was named the state’s 3A Player of the Year in 2001. She helped guide HHS to a state championship during her senior season finishing her career with a 24 point, 30 rebounds and five blocked shots performance in the championship game. She averaged 22 points, 16 rebounds and 5 blocked shots per game as a prep senior.
“We are ecstatic to be adding a player with Dee’s abilities,” said Moody. “There is no question that we need to add some size, athleticism, rebounding and shot blocking to our front line and Dee fills all of those needs. She adds a different dimension to our team. We’re not only excited about the immediate impact she’s going to make, but also in her potential for improvement. She is going to be exciting to watch as she develops.”
A two-time All-State selection and Birmingham News Player of the Year, Merriweather signed with the University of Illinois-Chicago out of high school but never played for the Flames. She spent last year at home working and taking several classes at Wallace-Hanceville JC. She will have four years of eligibility for the Crimson Tide.
Merriweather becomes the fourth member of the Tide’s 2002-03 recruiting class and the second signee for Alabama during the NCAA’s month-long spring signing period. She joins Kate Mastin, Angela Prosperi and Lauren Hill as newcomers for the UA program.
