Crimson Tide Women’s Basketball Signs Ariyah Copeland to 2017 Class
11/15/2016 2:10:00 PM | Women's Basketball
One of the top post players in 2017 class chooses the Tide
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Ariyah Copeland, one of the top-rated post prospects of the 2017 class, has signed with Coach Kristy Curry and the Alabama women's basketball program.
"Ariyah is one of the top 2017 post players in the country and will be a great addition to our front court," said Curry. "She is a legitimate interior scoring threat that can face up and hit the mid-range jumper or score with her back to the basket. Ariyah will bring a physical presence on both ends of the floor."
Copeland, the 6-3 4/5 post from Columbus, Ga., is rated No. 50 overall by Prospects Nation and No. 72 overall by All Star Girls Report. Prospects Nation also has her as the No. 7 post, while HoopGurlz espnW ranks Copeland No. 14 at her position.
As a junior, Copeland averaged 15.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 1.7 assists per game for Columbus High School. She helped lead the Blue Devils to the 2016 AAAAA quarterfinals after winning the region 1-5A championship, where she had 17 points.
Copeland was named honorable mention all-state by the Atlanta Journal Constitution at the conclusion of last season and was also named to the Ledger-Enquirer All-Bi-City Team. She was awarded MVP honors at the 2016 All-Star Game, featuring players from Harris and Muscogee counties, and was selected to participate in the 2016 Valley All-Star Underclassmen Game.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT COPELAND
"Copeland should be able to provide Kristy Curry's roster with immediate post presence. Right now, Copeland's greatest attribute is her ability to score around the rim. She has strong hands and good court awareness. She is a productive rebounder on both ends and uses her body effectively to gain positioning in the lane. She possesses prototypical SEC size with a willingness to do whatever it takes to make the play." – Brandon Clay, Peach State Basketball
"Copeland is athletic, skilled, has good footwork, is aggressive and can face up to three-point arc. She will provide inside play that they need. She can give help right away, and Alabama returns their whole roster next season." – Bret McCormick, All Star Girls Report
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