Women's Basketball Inks Four
November 14, 2002 | Women's Basketball
Nov. 14, 2002
Louisville, Ky. - Four players, three of which rank in the Top 150 by All Star Girls Report, have signed national letters-of-intent to continue their basketball playing careers at the University of Louisville. This class ranks as one of the best classes in school history.
"This class is the best ever signed on paper," said head coach Martin Clapp. "I am really excited about this class. They are not only great players but outstanding young ladies and that is what we were looking for this year."
The list includes:
* Jazz Covington, 6-3 post player from Adel, Ga. was named a 16-and under AAU All-American while playing with the Georgia Metros.
Covington is currently ranked as the 51st player in the nation by All Star Girls Report. As a junior she averaged 21 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks per game.
"Jazz is our highest ranked player," said Clapp. "She is a very physical player and can run the floor well. She has the ability to face up but she is best with her back against the basket. Look for her to make an immediate impact next season. She also has a great personality."
Covington was named to the 2AA All-Region Team of the Year. She was also named the GHSA All-Region Player of the Year last season. She was named the team MVP since her freshman season.
* Jenna Lemnus, a 6-3 post player from Enderlin, N.D. was an all-state pick last season in North Dakota's Class B.
Lemnus is currently ranked at the 145th player in America by the All Star Girls Report and ranked as the 28th post player in America. She was also named a Street & Smith's honorable mention All-American last season.
"Jenna reminds me of Kelly Rose who played for us when I was an assistant," said Clapp. "She is a big, strong post player. We needed a big presence and she gets on the offensive and defensive boards and is not afraid to do the dirty work. She is good offensively and will only get better."
Lemnus averaged 13.9 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5.0 blocks and 2.3 steals per game as a junior.
* Katie Olson, a 5-10 guard from Wheat Ridge, Colo. was named the Jefferson County Player of the Year last season.
Olson averaged16.7 points, 10.3 rebounds and 5.4 steals per game last season. She is a nominee for McDonalds All-American this season.
"Katie can realistically play from the one through the three position but will play on the wing for us," Clapp said. "She is a strong guard and has a passion for the game. She really shoots the three well and fits into the mold of a Marju Sober and Nina Simotes type of player. She is also a great ballhandler and I look for her to challenge for a starting position next season."
Olson was named first team all-conference as a junior. She also earned all-state honorable mention honors last season.
* Shawnique "Ne Ne" Parham, a 5-6 point guard from Chesapeake, Va. was rated the 28th point guard in the nation by All Star Girls Report.
All Star Girls Report also has Parham ranked as the 111st player in the nation. She averaged 14.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists as a junior.
"Ne Ne is a combination of Sara Nord and Jill Morton," said Clapp. "She loves to score and is an excellent ball handler. She is a three-point specialist and shoots from really deep. She is also ver good at running the show and setting up the offense. And on top of that she is lightning quick."
Parham earned first team all-district and all-city honors as a junior. She was named to the state all-tournament team last season and also earned second team all-tidewater honors.
