FLORENCE – University of North Alabama head women’s basketball coach Terry Fowler has announced the addition of five new players to the 2009 recruiting class. Four transfers will join an incoming true freshman and immediately complete for playing time.

“We are extremely excited about the additions we’ve made to our program during the off season,” said Fowler. “All of our signees will have the opportunity to contribute. We have added more depth, experience and talent to what we feel is a really good group that is coming back.”

Sarah Bailey represents the lone freshman entering the UNA program. The 5-8 guard was a standout at Mars Hill Bible School, averaging 23.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.5 steals, 3.5 assists and four blocks per game during her senior season. For her career, she was the second highest scorer in school history with 2, 023 points.

“Sarah brings a lot of great things to the table,” said Fowler. “She has the ability to impact the game on both ends with her athleticism. It’s a great situation for the entire UNA community when you can sign a local kid with her ability.”

Sanqueeta Meardith, Niala Harris, Courtnei Bowens and Courtney Scott each come to UNA after playing at the community college level a year ago. Meardith, a 5-5 guard from Shannon, Miss., averaged 18 points, four rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game at Itawamba Community College. She was also a two-time All-
Region 23 honoree and a first-team all-conference selection.

“Queet is a big-time scorer who can play the one or the two for us,” Fowler said. “She has the ability to score at the rim or from long range. She can also play good defense and create easy looks for teammates with her dribble.”

Harris lettered at Gadsden State and was also a two-time all-region performer in Region 24. The 5-11 forward from Athens, Tenn., led the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) by averaging 17.9 points per game and recorded eight double-doubles during her sophomore season.

“Niala gives us a lot of versatility in the post,” Fowler added. “She can score on the block and shoot consistently from three-point range. She is a perfect fit for the way we play and has the ability to be one of the toughest match-ups in our league.”

Bowens was a first team All-ACCC selection at Wallace State and also was a member of the state all-tournament team last season. The 5-8 guard from Tuscumbia averaged 11.9 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.

“Courtnei gives us another versatile player who can do a lot of great things on the court,” said Fowler. “She has the ability to score, rebound and defend on the perimeter. We are very excited and fortunate to bring her back to the Shoals and UNA community.”

Scott represents another Wallace State transfer headed to UNA. The 6-2 forward averaged 10.7 points and 5.8 rebounds and was also a state all-tournament selection for the Lions last year.

“Courtney addresses a big need for more depth in the post,” Fowler said. “She will have the opportunity step in right away and contribute. She can finish consistently around the basket and will also be able to defend bigger post players.”