AC News Service
As Angelina College head women's basketball coach Byron Coleman continues to build on a winning tradition, he and his staff find themselves able to attract some of the state's top talent to join his team.
On Tuesday, Coleman and the Lady ‘Runners landed two of the state's premier players.
Hemphill's Shamika Singleton, the Texas Class 2-A Player of the Year, and Kennard's Erica Adair, the state's 1-A Player of the Year, committed to play for AC beginning in the fall of 2008.
"Both of these ladies are high quality players, and they bring a lot to the court," Coleman said. "They both come from winning programs, and they know what it takes to win big games."
Singleton, a multi-sport athlete who excelled in basketball, cross country, track and volleyball for the Lady Hornets, was a two-time District MVP, All-Region, All-State and an Academic All-State while at Hemphill. The 5'11" post player said the move to Lufkin was a matter of fitting in.
"I think I'll fit in well with (AC's) style of play," Singleton said. "They run the floor, and they play tough defense. Those are two of my strengths as a player."
Coleman said Singleton will fill an immediate need in the post.
"Shamika is extremely athletic, and she'll provide the type of defense down low we'll be missing otherwise," Coleman said. "She has the potential to become a truly great player."
Adair will join her sister, Tiffany, on a Lady Roadrunner team that makes annual trips to the post-season. Adair, who averaged 25 points and 10 rebounds per game, has made four trips to the state championship game, coming away with a ring in her time with the Lady Tigers. She said the opportunity to continue playing with her sibling was only one of the reasons she committed to AC.
"It will be fun, getting to play college basketball with my sister," Adair said. "Neither of us ever dreamed we'd have this chance."
"Erica has played in some really big games, and she'll bring that attitude with her," Coleman said. "She won't be afraid to take the big shot or make the big play when it gets down to crunch time."
Singleton will major in Computer Science, while Adair will major in Kinesiology and/or Physical Therapy.
