Booker, Ricker sign with Women’s Basketball

MARS HILL, N.C. - The Mars Hill women's basketball program has signed two players in the early signing period, head coach Jennifer Williams announced today. Armeka Booker and Ansley Ricker have committed to compete for MHC for the 2011-12 academic year.

"We are very excited to welcome both these young women to our program," Williams said. "They will fit in great with our current team on and off the court. Both of these student-athletes work hard in the classroom, but more importantly, they are great people. Both student-athletes play for successful high school and AAU programs which have allowed them to compete with and against great players. Winning is a mentality, and I have no doubt they will both contribute immediately to our success."

Armeka Booker (Oak Ridge, Tenn.) is a 6'1 post who attends Oak Ridge High School. As a junior, she averaged 15 points and nine rebounds per game while shooting 48% from the field. During the 2009-2010 season, Booker helped guide her team to a 28-6 record and earned all-district and all-region honors for her efforts.

Williams stated, "I am thrilled that Armeka Booker has chosen to continue her playing career at Mars Hill College. Armeka runs the floor well, has great hands and a knack for rebounding. She is strong in the post and knows how to get to the free throw line. Her length and athleticism will also help us on the defensive end as she blocks almost two shots per game and alters many others."

Ansley Ricker (Greeneville, Tenn.) a 5'5 combo guard who attends South Green High School. As a junior, she averaged 15 points, two assists and two steals per game while shooting over 46% from the field. For her efforts, Ricker earned district and regional MVP honors and was named first-team all-conference, Northeast Tennessee Player of the Year and first-team all-state. She led the South Greene Rebels to a state Final Four appearance.

Williams stated, "Ansley is a gym rat who is always working to improve her game. She has the ability and IQ to run a team from the point guard position. However, she can score in a lot of different ways which makes her ideal for the wing position. You can tell by the way Ansley plays and by her consistent improvement that she loves the game. She is the kind of player you want in your program."

Mars Hill College is a NCAA Division II institution and member of the South Atlantic Conference. The league is comprised of schools in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.