Ladyjack Basketball Signs Three

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SFA adds size to its roster with three instate prospects

Nov. 14, 2007

NACOGDOCHES - The Stephen F. Austin Ladyjack basketball team added three prep standouts to its roster announced head coach Lee Ann Riley Tuesday afternoon. Tammara Marion (Houston, Texas), Schera Sampson (Round Rock, Texas) and Amina Sawyer (Pflugerville, Texas) have announced their intentions to continue their education at SFA.

"I am very pleased with these three young ladies and the credit has to go to my staff," said Riley. "Coach Braxton, our recruiting coordinator, Coach Nayreau and Coach Doyle have done a tremendous job in helping us sign these student-athletes. Our number one priority in recruiting is to identify talented student-athletes who are as committed to their success in the classroom as they are to their success on the court. These three signees exemplify that commitment."

"Each one of these student-athletes plays for highly successful high school coaches and programs. Coach Nancy Walling at Pflugerville, coach Amanda Aguilar at McNeil and coach Michael Kramer at Bellaire all three do a tremendous job of developing players," added Riley.

Marion is the lone guard in the group. A 5-6 athlete who can play either the one or two spot fills a huge need with current Ladyjack senior Nikki Carr out of eligibility after this season. A 2007 first-team all-district selection, Marion comes to SFA after a junior campaign that saw her average 15.6 points per game.

"Tammara is a quick, strong guard with the skills to play the point or two guard," said Riley. "She is a great three-point shooter who also has the ability to put the ball on the floor and get to the basket. One thing that we noticed about her during the recruiting process is how hard she plays on each end of the court. She never takes a play off and will do whatever it takes to win. Tammara has a true jump shot with a quick release and deep range. She is also a tough and physical guard who loves to defend and rebound."

"Tammara has been an excellent student-athlete," said Bellaire High School coach Mike Kramer. "Her versatility, quickness and strong defensive presence will be missed. Tammara is a standout offensive player who loves to rotate around the perimeter to get and shoot the ball. She will bring it every night. She's an excellent shooting guard."

Marion has helped her high school team be successful by doing more than being just an offensive threat. She also averaged 3.6 assists, 2.8 steals and 2.2 rebounds for Coach Kramer. Marion is coming off a junior campaign that saw her earn all-region and all state honors, as well as, being named to several all-tournament teams.

"Tamara is a coach's dream," said Houston Elite head coach Howard Randle. "She has no ego and does whatever is needed. Her work ethic is never in question and when the game is on the line she wants the ball in her hands. She will be a great asset to the Ladyjacks."

"I chose SFA because it felt like a perfect fit for me," said Marion. "SFA is only about two hours from Houston so I won't be far from home. I feel like I have a great relationship with the coaching staff, and I think that is going to play an important role on and off the court."

Sampson is a 6-0 combo guard/forward from Round Rock McNeil High School. A three-time first-team all-district selection, Sampson has seen her production increase each of the past two seasons. A former district newcomer of the year, Sampson averaged 12.3 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game during her junior season.

"A versatile player, who can impact the game in many ways," said Riley. "Schera has the size and strength to score inside with the skills to move out to the perimeter. She is a very good passer who can shoot the three, and has a post up game. With her ability to play inside and out, Schera will cause match-up problems on the court. As a guard, she has the size to shoot over players, and the strength and leaping ability to score over taller players."

"I'm really excited to be attending Stephen F. Austin," said Sampson. "I loved the coaches, and my teammates are great. The area is great and I really couldn't be happier to be blessed with this opportunity to play collegiate ball."

Sampson exemplifies the phrase "student-athlete." An academic all-district selection as a freshman, she has recorded 4.0 grade-point average (5.0 scale) or better all three seasons.

"When I first met Schera at our freshman basketball camp, I prayed she was going to be a Lady Maverick," said McNeil High School head coach Amanda Aguilar. "I've been thanking God ever since that day. Schera has taken charge of motivating the team."

"I'm extremely proud of Schera for achieving her vision of playing college basketball," said AAU co-head coach Marty Martin. "I want to personally congratulate her on signing a letter of intent to play basketball for (SFA). While I am proud of her basketball accomplishments, I'm prouder of her academic accomplishments in the classroom."

The tallest player in the class, Sawyer is a 6-2 post player from Pflugerville High School. A two-time all-district selection, Sawyer has helped guide Pflugerville to 61-11 (.847) overall record over the past two seasons. "Amina is a very athletic and mobile post player who can really run the floor," said Riley. "She is the type of post we want in our system. She can defend full court, run the floor, and score around the basket. A high energy player, she competes every minute she's on the court. Amina has good low post moves and is able to score with either hand around the basket. One strength of her game is her ability to defend. She has the quickness to pressure the ball on the perimeter and the size to defend inside."

Sawyer guided Pflugerville to consecutive district titles. Last season Sawyer averaged 7.6 points and 6.1 rebounds while helping guide her high school to a 33-4 (.892) overall record and a No. 19 TGCA ranking.

"I have every confidence that Amina will be successful, both academically and athletically at (SFA)," said Pflugerville High head coach Nancy Walling. "We at Pflugerville High School are so fortunate and proud to have had her as a vital part of our basketball program since she transferred (here) as a sophomore. Not only is Amina a model student, but her athletic abilities, and tremendous commitment to basketball are allowing her to play at the highest collegiate level."

"I am elated with Amina's decision to attend SFA," said AAU co-head coach Wendy Stevens. "I feel that it is awesome that she will have the opportunity to play college ball with (Schera). I believe that both players are quite talented and will bring their individual uniqueness to the program."