CofC Women's Hoops Adds Two in Early Signing Period
11/21/2015 6:40:00 PM | Women's Basketball
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The College of Charleston women's basketball team grew a bit larger this week, as two players signed National Letters of Intent to join the squad next season.
Baileigh Larson, a post player out of Oakleaf High School in her hometown Orange Park, Fla. Larson was a force for the Knights down low on both ends of the floor, racking up 631 points, 113 blocks, 369 boards and 68 steals through her first three years of high school action. The Floridian played for FGB on the club circuit under coach Kenny Kallina. A force both on the court and off, Larson sports a 3.12 GPA.
“Baileigh brings much-needed size to the front court for us,” head coach Candice M. Jackson said. “Her physicality inside will be something that we have not had here in a while. She is a true post player with capabilities to score with her back to the basket and step out to hit a few jumpers. Her aggression inside and her pursuit of the ball will help bring an offensive rebounding presence to the team.”
Joining Larson is Deja Ford, who comes to the Lowcountry as a guard from St Mary's Ryken High School in Leonardtown, Md. A native of White Plains, Md., Ford averaged 11.5 points per game in 75 contests through her first three years of high school, adding 2.1 steals and over one three-pointer (1.1 3PG) per game. Last year as a junior, she stepped all those numbers up a notch, averaging 15.1 PPG, 1.2 3PG, 2.5 SPG, while grabbing a career-best 4.4 rebounds and greatly improving her free throw shooting from the mid-60 range to 81%. She played her club ball with the Maryland Lady Terps under coach Rob Hildreth. Ford plans to pursue a career in sports management during her time with The College.
“Deja will be a great addition to our back court,” Jackson said. “Her ability to score at-will anywhere on the court will help fuel our offensive push. She is quick and athletic and will increase our transition opportunities the way she runs the floor. Playing in the WCAC, one of the most competitive conferences in the country, gives her an idea of the level that you have to play at each game to be successful.”
The Cougars are currently 2-1 following a 50-42 win over Weber State. They'll play again this Sunday when they hit the road for Virginia Tech (2-1).
Baileigh Larson
Deja Ford
