4/11/08

AREA STARS JOIN LADY TIGERS; INK WITH NORTHEAST

BOONEVILLE, Miss.--  Northeast Mississippi Community College athletic director and head women’s basketball coach Ricky Ford has opened his 2008 recruiting class by signing four local standouts, all from schools within NEMCC’s five-county district, to letters of intent.

High School seniors Rumae Butler (Belmont), Leota Cornelius (Alcorn Central), Kailie Montgomery (Belmont), and Sascha Stafford (Biggersville) signed with Northeast and will suit up for the Lady Tigers beginning in the fall of 2008.

“What a great way to kick-off our recruiting class,” said Ford. “All four of these girls are from our district, they’re familiar with our program’s tradition, and they all come from winning high school programs. They’re winners and we’re glad they chose Northeast.”

Rumae Butler saw action during all four years of her high school career as a Belmont Lady Cardinal. The 5’7 guard scored 990 points during her sophomore, junior, and senior seasons combined for an average of 10 points per game. During her career (2005-2008) Butler sank 130 three point shots. She was named All-North Half in class 2A as a senior, and was an All-Division 1-2A selection during all four years of her high school campaign.

Leota Cornelius led the Alcorn Central Lady Bears to the class 3A North Half title as a senior. The 5’9 forward averaged eight points and seven rebounds per contest. For her senior efforts, Cornelius was named All Alcorn County, All-Division 1-3A, and All-State.

Kailie Montgomery was a vital part of the Belmont Lady Cardinals’ success during her four-year career from 2005-2008. The 5’8 guard/forward averaged 15.1 points per contest during those four seasons earning All-Division 1-2A honors after each campaign. Following her junior and senior campaigns, Montgomery was named All-North Half 2A.

Sascha Stafford is the daughter of NEMCC assistant basketball coach Maurice Stafford. The 5’8 guard/forward from Biggersville averaged 17 points, six rebounds, two steals, and 2.13 assists per game as a senior. Stafford was named to the All-Alcorn County Team following her junior and senior seasons, along with being named All-Division 1-1A in 2008.

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