June 30, 2008

PENSACOLA, Fla. - Head Coach Shannan Bergen has announced the signing of seven newcomers to the Argos Women's Basketball program. Of the seven newcomers, there are two freshmen, four junior college transfers and one transfer from the University of North Florida. "I am extremely excited about the seven new players that I have signed," claimed Bergen. "Each one of them possesses unbelievable skill and will help contribute right away. Along with my returning players, I feel that the UWF women's basketball program has the potential to compete for the top spot in the Gulf South Conference, as well as in the south region. I feel a lot of positive energy going into next season, and I can't wait to get started this fall!"

"The point guard/guard position is where I added the most depth," stated Bergen. "I believe the point guard spot is going to be outstanding." Bergen has signed three point guards who also have the ability to play the wing position. Krissy Diggs, a two year starter from Pensacola Junior College, along with Tiffany Williams, a transfer from North Florida, bring experience at the point guard position. In addition to the two juniors, Bergen added freshman point guard Mercedes Jones, who starred at Washington High School.

At the wing position, Bergen added a junior college transfer and a freshman. Victoria Hunt, a two year starter at PJC, was a first team All-Pandhandle Conference selection. Freshman Keaundrea Merriewether, is a versatile guard, who comes from University Christian in Jacksonville. "Victoria and Keaundrea are both extremely talented and will add significant depth to the wing spot," states Bergen.

At the forward position, she added two junior college transfers. Jessica Young, who played one year at PJC, and one year at Wallace-Hanceville CC, and Jamie Freeman, a two year player at Okaloosa Walton Community College. "Both are strong defensively and superior rebounders," says Bergen. "Jessica and Jamie will both immediately impact our forward depth."

Victoria Hunt played for Coach Rigby at PJC for two seasons, and averaged 13 points per game, and shot 42% from field and 36.6% from behind the 3 pt line. She was a first team All-Panhandle conference selection. Hunt is from Roxie, Miss., and is a 5-8 guard. She played ball at PJC with Krissy Diggs and one year with Jessica Young. Hunt played high school basketball at Franklin County High school in Meadville, Mississippi. "Victoria is a dynamite wing player who can score in a variety of ways," says Bergen. "She runs the floor well and can play solid defense. I am thrilled to have her here at UWF," claims Bergen.

Jessica Young played her first year at PJC with Hunt and Diggs and then transferred to play at Wallace-Hanceville community college for her sophomore season. Young played high school ball at East Lawerence high school in Hillsboro, AL., where she was a high school teammate of Krissy Diggs, another incoming Argo. Young averaged 16 pts a game and 10 rebounds a game during this last season. She shot an impressive 60% from the field. As a 5-11 post player, Jessica earned first team all-conference and honorable mention All-American selections for her outstanding play last season. "Jessica is an incredible athlete who can run the floor extremely well, rebound, block shots, and score from the low block. I am excited to have a post player of her skill level," claims Bergen.

Tiffany Williams transfers from the University of North Florida, Tiffany started five games and averaged 14.8 minutes per game last season. She averaged 3.7 points per game, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.5 steals. Her career high came against the 19th ranked team in the nation at the time, Florida State, when she scored 14 points, while having 3 steals, and 3 rebounds. She also was named player of the week for her performance. Tiffany also earned All Academic honors her freshmen year. Williams played her high school ball at Boca Ciega high school, and helped lead her team to a district championship and three straight conference championships. She was a three time First team All-Conference selection. "Tiffany has great size for a point guard," says Bergen. "She can handle the ball very well and will give us a scoring threat from the point position."

Krissy Diggs transfers from PJC. During her two years, she was named to the Panhandle All-Conference team as Freshmen of the year, and then earned all All-Academic both years. She was second in assist in the Panhandle Conference, this past year. During her Freshman year, she averaged 6 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds. During her Sophomore year, she averaged 8 points, 7 assists, and 3 rebounds a game. Diggs played high school ball at Lawrence High School in Hillsboro, Alabama, where she made All-County 3 years, and All-Regional 3 years. Throughout her high school career, she accumulated 500 assist and 1,000 points, and averaged 15 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds per game. "Krissy comes to us with a lot of experience from PJC. She is a gritty point guard who has the potential to play the wing as well, and I am looking for her to excel here at UWF," states Bergen.

Jamie Freeman comes to UWF after two solid season at Okaloosa-Walton College, where she averaged four points and six rebounds a game. She was voted the best defensive player. She lettered 3 years in varsity basketball at John L.Leflore High School, in Mobile, Alabama, where she was an All-County/All-Region Player. During her Senior year, she averaged 15 points and 11 rebounds per game. "Jamie is the type of player who loves to do all the `dirty' work in the post," says Bergen. She is a great defender and rebounder and will be very valuable in our program."

Freshman Keaundrea Merriewether has excelled at being an ultimate team player in high school, playing several different positions. She helped lead her team to winning a state championship in 2006 at Shekinah Christian Academy as a 10th grader. She was awarded the 2006 State Farm, Good Neighbor, Good Sport award in the state championship. As a junior at Shekinah, Keaundrea averaged 15 points, 4 assists, and 5 rebounds per game. As a senior at University Christian School, Keaundrea averaged 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. She played with four other seniors who received basketball scholarships and helped the Fighting Christians to a record of 27-2. "Keaundrea has a lot of versatility which will make her a dynamic player," claims Bergen. "She is a superior defender and does a lot of little things that helps a team win ball games."

Freshman Mercedes Jones, played at Washington high school in Pensacola. She was an intergal part of a team that made it to the District finals. As the starting point guard, she averaged 11 points and five assists per game. She shot 48% from the field, as well as from the three point line. She was voted the best defensive player, and set the school record for assists, along with being the team captain during her senior season. "Mercedes is a fiery point guard who can definitely push the tempo. She played on an outstanding high school team and her experience will be seen right away," states Bergen.

The 2008-2009 Argos will begin the season will their annual tip off classic on November 15th and 16th, here in Pensacola. Harding will be the first opponent, followed by Delta State. The entire schedule can be found on the Women's Basketball page on www.goargos.com.