Alabama Women’s Basketball Lands Seven During Early Signing Period
11/9/2017 5:30:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Crimson Tide’s class ranked No. 6 by Blue Star Basketball Report
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Alabama women's basketball team signed seven to its 2018 class during the early period, head coach Kristy Curry announced on Thursday. The Crimson Tide's 2018 class, which is ranked No. 6 by Blue Star Basketball Report, includes Megan Abrams, Hannah Barber, De'Sha Benjamin, Gabrielle "Gabby" Crawford, Allie Craig Cruce, Cierra Johnson and Taniyah Worth.
"This is a special, four state class that is, by far, the deepest and most talented that we have signed," said Curry. "We feel like the experiences they bring from winning state championships to competing on the biggest stage in the summer will allow them to be an immediate impact. The people and talent in this class are just a great example of where the program is headed."
MEGAN ABRAMS
Abrams, a 5-9 guard from Lafayette, La., led Lafayette Christian Academy, under the direction of Errol Rogers, to its first state championship and was named Most Outstanding Player in the finals. As a junior, she also hauled in all-tournament team honors and was named Class 1A First Team All-State, 7-1A District MVP and 7-1A First Team All-District while averaging 21.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game.
Abrams was one of 10 selected to the 2017 Adidas USA Select Basketball Team that competed in Italy this past June. She also won the 2017 Adidas National Championship (Platinum division) and is a two-time Adidas 3 Stripe All-American. She played AAU basketball with Texas Elite Adidas Prime, coached by Joey Simmons.
What they're saying about Abrams:
"Jet-quick off the dribble, delivers off the bounce. But, can also score from deep. Abrams is a stock-riser in the class of 2018." – Dan Olson, Collegiate Girls Basketball Report/espnW hoopgurlz
"Quick, strong lefty with a sweet stroke from the arc. Has ability to score and set others up." – Bret McCormick, All-Star Girls Report
HANNAH BARBER
Barber comes to the Capstone as one of the top prospects out of Alabama. The 5-6 point guard from Homewood was named the 2017 Birmingham Metro Player of the Year, AL.com Female Athlete of the Year and Birmingham Tip Off Club Player of the Year. Barber, who is coached by Jazmine Powers at Homewood High School, has led the Lady Patriots to two state titles and a 110-19 record while averaging 12.5 points, 2.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 3.0 steals per game. She is a three-time 6A First Team All-State selection as well as a three-time Birmingham Metro First Team honoree and a three-time Final Four All-Tournament Team member. She also participated in the 2017 AHSAA North-South All-Star Game.
Barber played AAU ball for Alabama Heat, under Steve and JoVanka Ward, and Alabama Southern Starz, coached by Doug Bush.
What they're saying about Barber:
"Barber gives the Alabama backcourt a fundamentally skilled floor general. Not easy to find in the world of girls basketball, Barber brings an unselfish persona, knows how to set the table in a half-court game but, is also capable of knocking down the jumper when needed." – Dan Olson, Collegiate Girls Basketball Report/espnW hoopgurlz
"Quick, fundamental PG with great court vision. High motor with flare to her game. Can really set the table and can score it too. The Alabama fans will like her game." – Bret McCormick, All-Star Girls Report
DE'SHA BENJAMIN
Benjamin, a 6-0 wing out of Augusta, Ga., has put up big numbers during her career at Lucy C. Laney High School under the legendary Otis Smart. As a junior, she averaged 20.2 points, shooting 49 percent from the floor, 8.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.7 steals. Benjamin was the 2017 Atlanta Journal Constitution AA Player of the Year and was named First Team AAA All-State by the outlet in 2016. She also earned Augusta Chronicle Player of the Year honors as a sophomore and has already won a pair of state championships.
Benjamin was a member of the Georgia Sting AAU team, which is under the direction of Will Avery.
What they're saying about Benjamin:
"Athletic guard with size in the back court and a definite scoring machine on the prep level. Mid-range game creator, up-tempo finisher." – Dan Olson, Collegiate Girls Basketball Report/espnW hoopgurlz
"Athletic, tough, strong really attacks the basket and lives on the FT line. A 'Better Than You Think Player.'" – Bret McCormick, All-Star Girls Report
GABRIELLE CRAWFORD
Crawford, who is ranked 89th overall in the ESPNU HoopGurlz Top 100, was the Millington Star Female Athlete of the Year and a finalist for the Commercial Appeal Player of the Year. The 6-2 forward from Memphis averaged 18.3 points, while shooting 68 percent, 11.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game a season ago for head coach Steve Poindexter at Munford High School. She's also been named MVP at multiple tournaments including her district and regional tournaments as well as the Larry Ransom Tournament.
Crawford played AAU for Memphis Elite, under Eric Daniels, and Tennessee Flight, coached by Cory Barrett.
What they're saying about Crawford:
"The lone so-called interior prospect in the class for Alabama, Crawford has quickness in the key, rises and delivers efficiently inside 12'. An active rebounder as well." – Dan Olson, Collegiate Girls Basketball Report/espnW hoopgurlz
"Great athlete, lefty, good motor, that can finish inside and step out to the 3-point line. Versatile that can guard multiple positions. Stepped up her game this summer." – Bret McCormick, All-Star Girls Report
ALLIE CRAIG CRUCE
Cruce, a 6-1 forward out of Killen, Ala., earned numerous awards after her junior season at Lauderdale County High School under head coach Brant Llewellyn. She was selected as the 3A Player of the Year and was also named to the 2017 all-state, all-region, all-area and all-county teams. Cruce led the Tigers with averages of 20.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game, and like Barber, was also a participant in the 2017 AHSAA North-South All-Star Game.
Cruce played AAU for the Huntsville Starz, under Brian Gafford, and Alabama Southern Starz, coached by Doug Bush. She was a member of the 2016 squad that won the D2 AAU National Championship.
What they're saying about Cruce:
"Not widely seen on the summer basketball circuit, Cruce has a superb jump shot, delivers from deep. The sleeper prospect of the class for Alabama." – Dan Olson, Collegiate Girls Basketball Report/espnW hoopgurlz
"Athletic that can score the ball. Has scorer's mentality with nice 3-point shot. Good passer and knows the game." – Bret McCormick, All-Star Girls Report
CIERRA JOHNSON
Johnson, ranked the #1 junior college player in the nation by Collegiate Girls Report, is a 5-10 do-it-all guard, who spent the past season tearing up the junior college ranks at nearby Shelton State Community College coached by Alabama Alumnae Madonna Thompson. She led the Alabama Community College Conference in numerous statistical categories including points scored (633), points per game (17.6), field goals made (233), free throws made (130), defensive rebounds (153), assists per game (5.9), assists (212) and steals (116).
The Mobile, Ala., native was named ACCC Player of the Week four times, ACCC All-North League Player of the Year, ACCC All-Region 22 Player of the Year and ACCC Tournament MVP, while being selected to the ACCC All-North League First Team, ACCC All-Region 22 First Team a season ago.
Johnson, was also recognized nationally for her 2016-17 performance, being named an NJCAA First Team All-American and to the NJCAA National All-Tournament Team. In addition, she earned MVP honors at NJCAA All-Star Weekend.
What they're saying about Johnson:
"The top-ranked prospect in the nation by the Collegiate Girls Basketball Report, Johnson originally committed to Alabama as a high school senior. A smooth lead-guard with consistent offensive skills. Superb off the dribble, simply makes plays. Delivers to the arc. An absolute star of the class and the premier junior college player in the nation." – Dan Olson, Collegiate Girls Basketball Report/espnW hoopgurlz
"Athletic scoring guard that scores at all three levels. Tough matchup and scoring machine." – Bret McCormick, All-Star Girls Report
TANIYAH WORTH
Worth is a 6-1 wing from Flowery Branch, Ga., who averaged 17.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.4 steals per game in her junior year at Flowery Branch High School, playing for Courtney Gonzalez. This past season, Worth led Flowery Branch to its first Class 5A Final Four en route to earning First Team AAAAA All-State honors. In her last two seasons with the Falcons, Worth was named the team MVP as well as Lanierland MVP. She's earned a spot on the all-region team twice and was named honorable mention all-state in 2017. The Gainesville Times selected Worth to its all-area first team, and she was also a member of the GACA Junior All-Star team.
In addition to her high school basketball career, Worth was selected to participate in the 2017 Adidas Uprising All-American Camp and traveled on the Innerman Academy Lady Rebels Gauntlet Adidas AAU team under Torrey Bates.
What they're saying about Worth:
"Another sleeper prospect in the class of 2018 nationally, Worth is explosive, plays to the rim and brings a versatile game that can eventually fit on the perimeter. But, Worth is so active, quick in the paint." – Dan Olson, Collegiate Girls Basketball Report/espnW hoopgurlz
"Athletic long WF that has all-around game. Can guard multiple positions, rebounds it and can score. A real 'Sleeper.'" – Bret McCormick, All-Star Girls Report
What They're Saying About Alabama's 2018 Signing Class
"Head Coach Kristy Curry and her staff come through with another stellar recruiting class. They got players for every position, and they are multiple position players with size that will be matchup problems for their opponents." – Bret McCormick, All-Star Girls Report
"Alabama has once again continued their success on the recruiting trail snagging multiple ranked high school players and arguably the nation's No. 1 JUCO guard as well. Since Kristy Curry took over, the emphasis on securing talented prospects who can elevate the program into the upper half of the SEC has been evident. The progress on the hardwood reflects the hard work that the Tide's Recruiting Coordinator, Shereka Wright, has put in making that vision become a reality. This 2018 signing class represents the most highly acclaimed group of Curry's tenure to date landing them inside the ProspectsNation.com Elite 30 rankings nationally." – Brandon Clay, Owner of BrandonClayScouting.com/ProspectsNation.com
"Alabama has signed a Top 30 in country class with players that all have different styles. De'Sha Benjamin (GA) leads the class with great size and strength for a swing guard. She will be very versatile. Hannah Barber (AL) lead guard, knows game and plays hard. Will distribute and create for others. She will make her teammates better with her savvy play. Taniyah Worth (GA) Forward very versatile also. Super athletic, runs floor. Huge upside. Gets to rim and finishes. Allie Craig Cruce (AL) fundamental swing forward, can play inside and out. Drives and finishes, with good range from 3. Megan Abrams (LA) left-handed lead guard, creates for herself and others. Has nice pull-up in lane. Also strokes the 3. Gabrielle Crawford (TN) Strong forward with good size. Attacks from perimeter and rebounds both ends. Also left-handed, great upside." – Harry Elifson, Preferred Athlete Scouting Services
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