Xavier University Athletics
McGuff Finalizes Incoming Class for Next Season
06.12.06 | Women's Basketball
June 12, 2006
CINCINNATI - Head women's basketball coach Kevin McGuff has finalized the incoming class for the 2006-07 Xavier University women's basketball team. McGuff has received national letters of intent from consensus prep All-American Amber Harris and Deltona, Fla. native Der-ryka Martin to attend Xavier University beginning in the Fall of 2006.
Harris and Martin are the final pieces of the class that includes Alesia Barringer, Maureen "Moe" Hester, Amy Johns, and Bionca McCall.
This year's class was ranked 10th in the country by Scout.com.
Harris, the most highly touted recruit Xavier has ever landed, was tabbed as the No.1 overall prospect by the Blue Star Index and the No. 5 prospect in the county by the All-Star Girls Report.
Martin, a 6-4 forward, averaged 12 points per game and nine rebounds per game for Pine Ridge High School last season. Martin was forced to sit out her junior season due to injuries she suffered in a car accident but assistant coach Mike Bradbury spotted her at a showcase in North Carolina during the spring and XU began recruiting her.
Harris has earned a long list of accolades in her prep career, including recognition on the Parade Magazine, Street and Smith's and USA Today All-American First Teams. She was also honored as "Miss Basketball" in the state of Indiana this past season and earned mention as a McDonald's All-American and as a WBCA All-American in 2005 and 2006.
Harris, a 6-6 wing from Indianapolis/North Central, chose Xavier over several suitors including Louisiana State, Purdue, Rutgers and Tennessee.
An exciting and gifted athlete who has played every position, Harris has dunked in several games over the past two years and has the ability to touch the top of the white square on the backboard.
