Hernando Reporter

Edward Waters Women's Basketball Head Coach Charmaine Wilson has announced the signing of five transfers to her squad for the 2022-23 season.

The Lady Tigers have signed four junior college transfers in guard Paige Sanders, forward Kyana Johnson, guard Isis Smith, and forward Khadija Smith and one transfer from a four-year institution in Bethune-Cookman transfer guard Tatum Hayes.

"I couldn't be happier with the signing of this class," Wilson noted. "Their character and talent will help our team immediately compete for the SIAC title."

Paige Sanders | 5-5 | Guard | Saginaw, Michigan | Delta College

Sanders spent one season at Delta College, where she helped lead the Pioneers to a 21-8 overall record and an apperance in the NJCAA Great Lakes District Championship Game.

Sanders was fifth on the team in scoring, averaging 8.2 points per game, third on the squad in free throw percentage at 64.9%, and led the team in assists per game at 3.9. 

Coach Wilson on Sanders: "I'm expecting for Paige to be a true floor general. She brings leadership and a high basketball IQ at the point guard position. She also brings speed and quickness to our full-court pressure defense."

Kyana Johnson | 6-1 | Forward/Center | Deltona, Florida | St. Petersburg College

A 2021-22 Second Team All-Central Conference selection, Johnson was the Titans leader in rebounds per game, averaging just under eight per contest. Johnson also averaged 7.5. points per game, was a 70% free throw shooter, and connected on 40% of her shots from the field.

Coach Wilson on Johnson: "Kyana is solid on both sides of the ball, averaging just under a double-double per game.". She's another player not only adds speed and quickness in our pressing defense, but also provides an imposing presence inside that will help us immensely on offense."

Isis Smith | 5-7 | Guard | Eugene, Oregon | Eastern Arizona College

Smith has been a part of an Eastern Arizona squad that over her two seasons had an overall record of 45-5. Smith is an 82% free throw shooter and also is has a 42% field goal percentage. 

Coach Wilson on Isis Smith: "I'm very excited to have another quality point guard joining our program. Isis is a quick and scary point guard, who can score the three ball at will. She also brings speed, quickness, and a relentless attitude that will help us defensively."

Khadija Smith | 5-11 | Forward | Eugene, Oregon | Eastern Arizona College

Isis' sister Khadija will also join her in Purple & Orange next season. Khadija Smith was also a member of the Monsters' squad that finished 45-5 over the past two seasons. Smith averaged 44% from the floor last season and was also a 56% free throw shooter.

Coach Wilson on Khadija Smith: "Khadija brings a plethora of moves in her game and also a winning attitude. She can be used at the 2, 3, or 4 position as well. She stretches the floor and like her sister, shoots the three ball very, very well. The Smith sisters come from a winning program and will be a tremendous asset to our incredibly successful program."

Tatum Hayes | 5-6 | Guard | Fort Myers, Florida | Bethune-Cookman University

Tatum Hayes comes to Edward Wates as a decorated player from Bethune-Cookman. Hayes spent three seasons with the Lady Wildcats, having her biggest success in her freshman campaign in 2019-20. During that year, Hayes appeared in 27 games and led BCU in three-point shooting percentage at 32.5%. Hayes also averaged 4.8 ppg and 1.0 rpg and was also selected to the MEAC All-Rookie Team that season.

Coach Wilson on Hayes: "I'm very excited about this Division I transfer. She is a knock down three-point shooter and will make our offense that much more potent this season. With her experience and success at that level, I'm confident that she will come in and provide that much more of a spark for us."

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Original source can be found here.