UAPB WBB: Dawn Thornton Recaps UAPB Women’s Basketball 2022-23 Recruiting Class and Talks Transfer Portal
PINE BLUFF, AR. – The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff head women’s basketball coach Dawn Thornton has announced her signees for the 2022-23 season, adding a group of experienced transfers to the women’s basketball program.
“This signing class will be one of the most dynamic groups that we have ever seen in Golden Lion Nation,” said Thornton. “I felt that I owed it to this program to recruit not only a group of talented young women, but to bring in student athletes with high character, self-motivators, academically sound, and overall great people.”
“My staff, our AD, Chris Robinson, athletic administrators, and the entire UAPB family did a wonderful job contributing to every signee. We were very selective with the type of young women we bring into the program, and in this recruiting class, I really think we filled some valuable needs. “I love their talent level and character. These young ladies can play multiple positions, and I think they’re going to fit in really well with what we have coming back, even with returning SWAC New Comer of the year Zaay Green, who brought a lot of excitement to “The Bluff” this past season.”
Coriah Beck
Junior | Junior | 5-11
Fayetteville, AR. | University of Memphis
Thoughts on Coriah Beck…
“Coriah was once ranked a 3-star athlete by ESPN and there is no way you can overlook an in state kid like this. Similar to what many as seen in her father Corey Beck who won a National Championship for the Razorbacks, Coriah has a winning mentality and she is an outstanding basketball player. She has played in a very successful program at the University of Memphis before coming to UAPB and I strongly believe that with her ability to score on all three levels will be what we have been missing from a combo guard. She is an instant boost to our program.”
Raziya Potter
Graduate Student | Guard | 5-10
Tracy, CALIF. | University of Arkansas Little Rock
Thoughts on Raziya Potter…
“Potter, also once ranked by ESPN as a 3-star basketball player out of high school, the former starter for University of Arkansas Little Rock was their second leading scorer and we are excited to have her in our program. Raziya, is a very good basketball player that brings a lot of knowledge and leadership to UAPB. She has a special athletic ability that will make her very hard to guard, and we were impressed by her efficiency in scoring.”
Jelissa Reese
Junior | Guard | 5-9
Cordele, GA.| | Troy University
Thoughts on Jelissa Reese….
“In the backcourt, Reese will be one of our most respected athletic finishers that scores at-will in many different ways. She has a natural ability to gravitate towards the basketball and finishes plays around the rim which gives us more versatility on the perimeter. After winning a state championship in high school and attending Troy University, who competes for a Sun Belt championship every year, we didn’t miss with this hit.”
DeeDee Shephard
Junior | Guard | 5-8
Pontotoc, MS.| Itawamba Community College
Thoughts on DeeDee Shephard…
“DeeDee comes from very competitive program and she is surrounded by a great supportive family. She has a terrific work ethic and loves being in the gym. Her skill level, versatility and competitive nature makes her a great fit for our program. She plays with a lot of passion and will have a high energy presence on both end of the floor.”
Breazia Robinson
Sophomore | Forward | 6-4
Cleveland, OH. | Delaware St.
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Thoughts on Breazia Robinson…
“Breazia is legit 6″4, long, athletic and she’s coming into herself as a basketball player. I anticipate that she will play a huge role for us in her ability to rebound as well as finishing in the paint. She is a high energy – high motor kid that is excellent on the glass and at the rim in transition. She adds depth at the post for us which is something we needed to pick up this season.”
Tia Morgan
Junior | Guard | 5-8
Chicago, IL. | Tyler Junior College
Thoughts on…. Tia Morgan
“Fresh off of a JUCO National Championship from a very respectable program, Tyler Jr College, signing Tia was an absolute no brainer, winning 50 games in two years is value every coach in the country wants in their program. Tia, has something inside you can’t teach and she brings great experience and toughness to continue our success, we are very excited that she’s a Golden Lion.”
Markisha Body
Graduate Student | Guard | 5-11
Birmingham, AL. | Miles College
Thoughts on…. Markisha Body
“Markisha gives us great length from the hybrid position. She has tremendous instincts, excellent versatility and plays at a very high level. She has a very consistent mid-range game and also has worked on her three-point game, “Splash” rebounds the ball extremely well and is a great compliment to the ’22 class.”
Azaria Robinson
Senior | Forward | 6-2
Anchorage, ALK. | University of Arkansas Little Rock
Thoughts on…. Azaria Robinson
“My staff and I were very intentional in finding depth at the post position, and with “AZ” being more than capable of putting up big numbers for us is exactly what we needed to tag team with returning, Maya Peat. She rebounds the ball night in and night out and we couldn’t be happier with her joining our roster.”
Shayla Bouie
Sophomore | Guard | 5-7
Jacksonville, FL. | Daytona State College
Thoughts on…. Shayla Bouie
“Bouie is very versatile and extremely skilled at the guard spot. She can facilitate, step up and be a scorer, and she is a high level defender. She has a high IQ and loves the game of basketball but more importantly Shayla understands dedication, commitment and hard-work!”
Empress Roberts
Sophomore | Forward | 6-2
Killeen, TX. | Parker Height HS
Thought on…. Empress Roberts
“Pick” is the BEST on ball defender I have ever seen. Most kids love offense and the thoughts of scoring big numbers, not “Pick”, she is the complete opposite, this kid wants to shut down whoever has the ball in their hands! She finishes in traffic and as a true point guard she was definitely the missing piece coming behind Joyce Kennerson.”
