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June 6, 2008
PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - When the Lady Hawks lost two outstanding seniors, both of which had spent all four years in the maroon and grey, Head Coach Fred Batchelor was proud to see them graduate and move on to bigger and better things. The task of replacing them however, was less then inspiring, as he had not only quality players to replace in Brittany Adkins and Kristi Veltkamp, but two outstanding, smart, community minded young women to replace. Now that the signing period has ended however, Batchelor has something else to be proud of, the addition of four quality recruits to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES). The women's hoops program is pleased to announce that Kanzes Battin (6'0, F, Wilmington, Del./Paul Hodgson Vocational Technical Scchool), Amber Cook (5'8, G, Greensboro, N.Y./Grimsley Senior H.S.), Tyche' Mozie (5'10, F, Washington, D.C./Howard D. Woodson) and Krystal Watson (6'0, F, Buffalo, N.Y./Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart) have all signed National Letters of Intent to play for UMES, and help continue the winning tradition of the Lady Hawks. "This class is special," said Batchelor. "With the returning of eight players, three of which are All-Conference selections, I am encouraged that this recruiting class will help take us to the next level. I expect each of them to make considerable contributions immediately," he added. Battin is an athletic inside presence that is known for her shot altering and blocking ability. She will be a force inside the lane for UMES, helping to replace the hustle of Adkins and the defensive prowess of Veltkamp, a former Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Defensive Player of the Year. She averaged 9.4 points per game and 7.2 rebounds. She also posted an impressive 4.2 blocks a contest. The former co-captain of her team and three-year letter winner direted her team to a 20-6 record this past season. Battin led the squad to the Final Four in the state of Delaware and its third consecutive Flight B Championship. She played in the Blue/Gold All-Star Game, was a McDonald's All-American nominee, and was second-team All-Conference and Honorable Mention All-State. Battin set school records for the most blocks (286) in a career (boys or girls) and led her team to several accolades, including the most post season wins (five), most post season games (nine) and most games played in a season (26). "Kanzes is an exceptional athlete," Batchelor added. "She changes the game with her ability to block shots and rebound outside her area. She is a young lady that will improve everyday and I am confident that in her four years at UMES fans will see the growth and maturity of a quality basketball player." Cook is a 5-8 combination guard that is a hard worker and strong leader. Batchelor, looking for defensive minded players, signed Cook because of her versatility and hustle. "She is a winner!" Batchelor said. "I believe she may be the biggest steal in our recruiting class. Her ability to play the point as well as the other guard position increases our depth on the perimeter. She is a dynamic on the ball defender that will assist us in our pursuit to play an aggressive up-tempo defensive style of basketball." Cook can score as well. She averaged 9.6 points a contest while adding three assists and five rebounds. In three years the varsity team went undefeated with a 40-0 mark. She won throughout her prep career even posting a junior varsity conference championship and in six years of JV and varsity competition Cook's squads posted an amazing 80-5 mark. Her team at Grimsley went 29-1 overall this past season and all five starters signed DI scholarships. She was voted the best on-the-ball defender in the conference and received the team's Most Improved Player award while leading them in three-point shooting percentage. Mozie is another local product that knows how to win and is mentally tough; exactly what Batchelor was looking for to fit into his system. The 5-10 forward averaged 10 points per game and five rebounds while at Woodson. She was voted All-DCIAA First Team and earned the same honor for the East Division. Mozie led the team to their first City Championship and a regular season and conference tournament championship. "I believe Tyche' is a program changer," said Batchelor. "Coming off of our most successful season here at UMES, I expect her to play a major role in taking us to another level. Her attitude, maturity and toughness separate her from most first year college athletes. We are confident that per presence will help establish a better work ethic and our commitment to success in competition." The final signee is Watson who, according to her high school coach, "is one of the most intelligent competitors I have ever coached." She has the ability to contribute right away due to her pure basketball instincts and knowledge. "Krystal's ability to play inside as well as her skills on the perimeter will allow us to utilize her in multiple ways," added Batchelor. "I was most impressed with her basketball IQ and her versatility. She will add depth in the post position as well as address the area of physical toughness in the paint. She's a winner from a strong basketball background." Watson posted solid numbers in Buffalo, averaging 17 points per game and 12 rebounds. She was a four year letter winner and three-year starter. She led the team to a 23-6 mark this past season. As a sophomore Watson led the squad to a conference championship and N.Y. State Catholic League Runner-Up title. She is a two-time All Western N.Y. selection, a two-time All-League First Team Catholic League selection, an MVP of the Lion's Club Exceptional Seniors All-Star Game and a four year academic honor-roll student. "This class makes us more athletic and more versatile," summarized Batchelor. "With the loss of [Adkins and Veltkamp] as well as the graduation of Jelila [Abdul-Bassit] a year early and the loss of Jessica Ayilola and Chena Parker from the front court, we were given the opportunity to change how we play a little. This group of signees allows us to play a more aggressive, more defensive, athletic style; one that will fit this group nicely." Coach Batchelor also expects to add at least one more player to the squad in the next few days. Battin, Cook, Mozie and Watson, join MEAC Rookie of the Year Casey Morton, All-MEAC first team selection April McBride, All-MEAC second team selection Tiffany Reid and many other players, including a fully recovered Jasmine Speed on the 2008-09 version of the Lady Hawks, a squad that tied a school record in wins last season with 17. A young but talented squad, the roster contains no seniors. |
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