Alabama A&M athletic programs add 12 during early signing period

Baseball 12/3/2018 3:10:00 PM aamusportsinfo

Alabama A&M athletic programs add 12 during early signing period

HUNTSVILLE — Alabama A&M enjoyed a successful early signing period as several high school standouts signed National Letters of Intent.

The women's soccer program signed six players, while men's basketball and softball added two signees each. Alabama A&M's baseball program also signed a high school standout from south Florida, and the women's basketball program added a high school standout from Oklahoma.

Here is a complete list of all the student-athletes who signed National Letters of Intent during the NCAA's early signing period:

MEN'S BASKETBALL
Garrett Hicks | Guard | 6-0 | 170 | Madison, Ala. (James Clemens High School)

Hicks is a 6-0 and 170-pound combo guard who has starred for the past three seasons at James Clemens High School in Madison, Ala. … As a junior last season, Hicks averaged 17.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists per game and 2.1 steals per game while helping James Clemens reach the Class 7A Northwest Regional semifinals in the Alabama High School Athletic Association postseason. … Hicks also is a career 90-percent free-throw shooter. … Following the 2017-18 season, Hicks was a second-team selection on the Alabama Sports Writers Association's Class 7A all-state team, and he was an All-Huntsville Region selection by Al.com.

"Garrett is a really nice pickup," Howard said. "With Garrett, you're talking about one of the state's best players who can play either the 1 or 2 positions. To gain a player with that type of versatility and talent gives you a lot of options for the future. Not only is he a player who is comfortable with the ball in his hands, but he also is an outstanding shooter and has an extremely high basketball IQ. And let's not forget that he's a 90-percent free-throw shooter, which is a huge bonus."

Mason Ellison | Forward | 6-6 | 170 | Huntsville, Ala. (Lee High School)

Ellison is a 6-6 and 170-pound small forward who has starred the past three seasons for Alabama state power Lee High School in Huntsville, Ala. … As a junior last season, Ellison averaged 15.8 points, 8. Rebounds, 2.1 blocks and 1.9 assists while helping Lee reach the Class 5A Northwest Regional in the Alabama High School Athletic Association's postseason. … Following the 2017-18 season, Ellison was a third-team selection on the Alabama Sports Writers Association's Class 5A all-state team, and he was an All-Huntsville Region selection by Al.com.

"Mason is an extremely versatile player," Howard said. "He's got a lot of talent, but what I love is his toughness. From rebounding to defense, he's the type of player who does a lot of things that help you win basketball games. With Mason, we're getting a player who has a very high ceiling and should definitely make a positive impact on our program."

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
De'Asia Thomas | Forward | 6-0 | Sapulpa, Ok. (Sapulpa High School)

Alabama A&M received a National Letter of Intent from De'Asia Thomas, a 6-foot forward from Sapulpa, Ok.

"De'Asia is a very versatile player who we expect to be a nice addition to our program," Richards said. "She's a player who does a lot of things well, which is exactly what you look for in a prospect."

As a junior last season, Thomas averaged 8.4 points game for Sapulpa High School, and she also was among the team's leaders in rebounds.

"Obviously, De'Asia has a nice shot, but what we really like is her motor," Richards said. "She is an extremely aggressive player with a motor that doesn't stop. We like the aggressive style of play she brings to the floor.

"We think she's a player with a very high ceiling who has the potential to be very good. She is a great addition to our program."

SOFTBALL
Taylor Woods | 3B | Decatur, Ala. (Austin High School)

During her prep career at Austin High School in Decatur, Woods has posted a .294 batting average with 116 hits, 112 runs scored and 62 RBIs.

Ariel McAtee | OF | Smyrna, Tenn. (Stewarts Creek High School/Motlow State CC)

As a sophomore last season at Motlow State Community College, McAtee finished with a .354 batting average with 10 RBIs, 25 runs scored and 13 stolen bases.

BASEBALL
Janmikell Bastardo | OF/1B | Fort Myers, Fla. (Cypress Lake High School)

During his prep career, Bastardo has posted a .383 batting average in three seasons at Cypress Lake High School in Fort Myers, Fla. As a junior last season, Bastardo finished with a .408 batting average with four homers and 28 RBIs.

WOMEN'S SOCCER
Jameela Barnett | Right Wing | 5-7 | London, England

Delia Ebbin | Center Back | 5-9 | Bermuda

Amaya Gill | Center Back | 5-3 | Fuquay-Varina, N.C.

Chantal Williams | Midfielder | 5-3 | Markham, Ontario

Taylor Watson | Forward | 5-1 | Scarborough, Ontario

Jasmine Taylor | Forward | 5-5 | Blue Springs, Mo.

Print Friendly Version