Three Sign To Play Women's Basketball at East Carolina
November 14, 2003 | Women's Basketball
GREENVILLE, N.C. -- East Carolina University head women's basketball coach Sharon Baldwin-Tener announced today that three players have signed national letters of intent to join the Lady Pirates for the 2004-05 season.
"Our staff really worked hard," said Baldwin-Tener. "We were able to sign some players that will help elevate this program to the next level. I am very pleased with this signing class and we could still add one more before we're finished. This day is another big step towards building the program here at East Carolina. Today, we became more competitive and athletic and we look forward to these additions to the Pirate family."
Shakira Clarke signs with East Carolina ranked as the number one player in Toronto, Ontario and Canada by Double Exposure Scouting Services.
"Shakira is a great balance of person and student-athlete," says Ro Russell of Double Exposure Scouting Services. "She is a definite high major player and should have a very good career at East Carolina and in Conference USA."
Clarke was the MVP of the Bring Your A Game Top 60 camp in Canada in September. At Northview Heights she averaged 22 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Shakira chose East Carolina over Colorado, Illinois, Michigan and Michigan State.
"Shakira has been the surprise of this signing class," said Baldwin-Tener. "We jumped in recruiting her late and feel fortunate to have signed a player from Canada of this caliber. She is a very explosive player that excels in an up-tempo game."
Nicole Days signs as the 43rd ranked power forward by All-Star Girls report. As a McDonald All-American nominee, she averaged 21 points and 13 rebounds as a junior at Pender High School.
"Nicole is a great athlete who was taylor-made to play in Coach Baldwin-Tener's system," said Bret McCormick of the All Star Girls report. "I would consider her a sleeper on the national recruiting scene, but she will definitely open some eyes in Conference USA."
Days earned first-team All-Mideastern Conference honors, first-team Wilmington Star news and was a finalist for NCHSAA Miss Basketball for 3A last season. She was also named Pender Chronicle Female Athlete of the Year. Days chose East Carolina over UNC-Wilmington, Auburn, James Madison and Appalachian State.
"Nicole is my definition of a true power forward," stated Baldwin-Tener. "She is so athletic and is capable of doing so many things on the floor. She is a North Carolina player that we are very happy about keeping close to home. She is a competitor and someone who will fit in nicely with our style of play and help raise our intensity."
Raeshawn Mobley signs with East Carolina ranked as the 4th best player in the Washington D.C. metro area. The All-Star Girls report ranks her as the 19th best wing player and the 88th best player overall in the country.
"Raeshawn will be an impact player at East Carolina," said McCormick. "She is one of those special players that in the future has a chance to be one of the elite players in Conference USA. It wouldn't surprise me to see her named Freshman of the Year in Conference USA next year."
Mobley is ranked by the National Roundball Journal as the 79th best player in the country. She was a member of the 16 and under National AAU National Champions Silkettes in 2002, and chose East Carolina over Marshall and West Virginia.
"Raeshawn brings us a big, athletic, long guard at 5'11" with a lot of versatility," said Baldwin-Tener. "She is a great rebounding guard and is capable of hitting the three or getting to the rim. She has the potential to be a great defender at this level and fits nicely into our up-tempo style of play."
2004-05 East Carolina Women's Basketball Signees
Name Pos. Ht. Yr. Hometown Shakira Clarke Guard 5"9" Fr. Toronto, ONT Nicole Days Small Forward 6'0" Fr. Burgaw, NC Raeshawn Mobley Power Forward 5'11" Fr. Alexandria, VA
