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Women's Basketball Announces Incoming Recruiting Class
Nov. 26, 2008
ORONO, Maine - University of Maine women's basketball head coach Cindy Blodgett announced on Wednesday that Rachele Burns (Gorham, Maine), Shareka Maner (Spring Hill, Fla.), Amber Smith (Ipswich, Mass.) and Katelyn Vanderhoff (Lititz, Pa.) have signed National Letters of Intent to attend school beginning in the Fall of 2009. Burns, a 5-7 combo-guard from Gorham H.S., averaged 25.0 points per game during her junior season. A terrific all-around athlete, Burns has earned all-state honors in basketball, soccer and softball. She helped guide her high school to three-straight soccer state titles and 70-consecutive wins. She was named the ESPN Soccer Player of the Year for the state of Maine in 2008. "Explosive and competitive are the two words that come to mind when thinking of Rachele's game," Blodgett said. "It's exciting to have a top recruit coming from the state of Maine who wants to represent our great institution." Maner, a 6-1 forward from Nature Coast H.S., has averaged 11.6 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.9 steals and 2.5 blocks per game during her high school career. As a junior, she helped lead her team to a 22-6 record and a district championship. She has also been listed among the top post players in her home area according to the St. Petersburg Times. "She will add length and athleticism to our frontcourt," Blodgett said. "Shareka plays with a great deal of passion and emotion which will help us on both ends." Smith, a 5-10 guard from Ipswich H.S., has scored over 1,300 points during her career. She averaged 22 points and 12 rebounds as a junior, and recorded 19 double-doubles. Smith helped her team post a 17-4 record last season and earn the championship in the Cape Ann League. She was also named the player of the year in that conference. Smith has also been named to the Boston Herald All-Scholastic Team twice.
"Amber loves the game of basketball," Blodgett said. "She's a gym-rat and will continue to improve rapidly because she is willing to outwork others. Amber's passion for the game is infectious and will help make her teammates better."
Vanderhoff, a 5-9 guard from Lancaster Mennonite H.S., has scored 896 points during her high school career. She averaged 10.8 points per game as a junior. Vanderhoff helped lead her team to a 28-5 record last season and a Section 4 Championship. She also helped lead her team to the District 3 Triple A Championship for the first time in school history. Vanderhoff is also a standout in field hockey and soccer. "Katelyn is a winner and expects to win whenever she competes," Blodgett said. "Her mentality and work-ethic will impact this team when she arrives on campus. She is the type of player who will want the ball at the end of the game which speaks to her confidence on the court." The eligibility of all student-athletes is contingent upon admission to the University of Maine and compliance with all NCAA rules, including registration with the NCAA Clearinghouse. The early signing period began November 12. |
