Women's Basketball Inks Another Top 15 Class
November 12, 2008 | Women's Basketball
Nov. 12, 2008
Louisville, Ky. - Louisville head coach Jeff Walz has announced that Asia Taylor, Nikki Burton, Rachel Story and Kentucky native Ashley Rainey have all signed letters-of-intent to play for the University of Louisville next season. The Cardinals' recruiting class has been ranked No. 11 by some publications, giving the Cardinal staff their second consecutive Top 15 class.
"This is a great day for Louisville basketball," said Walz. "We have signed four dynamic young ladies who are not only great basketball players but great people. I want to thank my staff for all the long hours they spent putting this class together. To have back-to-back Top 15 recruiting classes shows that this program is going in the right direction."
Below is a list of signees:
Nikki Burton, 5-11, combo guard, Charlotte, N.C. (West Charlotte HS)
Burton was ranked as high as No. 38 by some publications and ranked as the 10th best shooting guard. She was recently named to the preseason Charlotte Observer All-State team. She finished her junior year averaging 19 points, eight rebounds, four steal and four assists. She helped lead West Charlotte to its first North Carolina 4A Western Region Championship and their first state championship appearance.
"Nikki prides herself on competing on both ends of the floor," said Walz. "She will surely become a fan favorite when it comes to her grit and determination. She may be one of the best athletes to ever attend U of L."
Ashley Rainey, 6-2, Forward, Bowling Green, Ky. (Warren East HS)
Rainey is ranked as the 13th best post by some publications and ranked as high as No. 58 overall. She is a two-time Courier-Journal First-Team All-State selection and is considered the top candidate for Miss Basketball. She averaged 27.8 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.4 steals and 2.0 blocked shots for the Lady Raiders as a junior. Rainey already has 2,292 points and 1,003 rebounds for her career.
"Ashley is a very strong player who has a nice touch around the basket," Walz said. "She is the first recruit in this class to commit to us and we believe she is the best player in the state. She has a great knowledge of the game and is a great rebounder."
Rachel Story, 5-7, point guard, Milwaukee, Wis. (Rufus King HS)
Story was ranked as high as No. 75 by some publications and as the 15th best point guard. Story was a Division I Coaches All-State selection as a junior. She finished her junior year averaging 18.7 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.7 steals. She earned fourth team all-state honors by the Associated Press as a junior. Earned all-city honors the last three seasons. Played AAU basketball for the Lakeside Lady Scholars.
"Rachel is a prolific scorer and can break down defenders in the open court," Walz said. "We are looking for her to push the tempo and attack in transition. Her passion for the game is relentless and her work ethic is second to none."
Asia Taylor, 6-1, Wing, Columbus, Ohio (Whetstone HS)
Taylor is ranked as high as No. 27 by some publications, making her the highest ranked recruit to sign with the Cardinals. She was also ranked as the fourth best post player by some publications. She is one of the top players in the state of Ohio. Taylor averaged 21.7 points at Columbus Whetstone High School last year. She played AAU basketball for the very successful Ohio Glory.
"Asia is going to be an impact player for our program next year," said Walz. "She has a great work ethic and is always in the gym. She is very athletic and explosive and can get the rim. She will create matchup problems for other teams on defense. She is very good in transition which will make her a great fit for our program."
