49ers add 4 for 2012

Women’s Hoops Signs Four For the 2012-13 Season

Charlotte, NC – The Charlotte 49ers women’s basketball program and first-year head coach Cara Consuegra announced the signing of four players to national letters-of-intent for the 2012-13 season. The 49ers welcome Alexis (Lexi) Alexander and Victoria (Tori) Carter of Atlanta, Georgia, Kira Gordon of Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia and Shequana Harris of Bronx, New York to the 2012-13 rosters.

“We couldn’t be more excited about this recruiting class that we can now officially welcome as members of our Charlotte family,” Consuegra said. “Our staff did a tremendous job of identifying these young ladies that will impact our program both on the basketball court and as positive members of the university community. We are thrilled to be adding depth and athleticism at almost every position and we expect these four to contribute right away. Most importantly these young ladies all possess great character, terrific work ethic and a true appreciation for the opportunity to be a part of the great tradition of Charlotte Basketball. Once Niner Nation gets a glimpse of this class, I am sure that everyone will share in our excitement.”

Alexander, who is a 6-foot-1 post player from Atlanta’s Alpharetta High School, has earned All-Region honors twice. She is rated a three-star recruit by Hoopgurlz.

“Lexie is a perfect complement to the post players that we will have returning next year,” Consuegra said. “She is another mismatch type player because she can score with her back to the basket, but she also has the skill to be a threat in the high post. She’s got great touch from the outside and the ability to face and drive on the perimeter. She is also relentless when it comes to rebounding the basketball. I’m excited about the versatility she will bring to our post game.”

Last season, as a junior, she averaged 14.7 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks per game en route to be named a GACA North vs. South All-Star selection. As a sophomore, she averaged 10 points, eight rebounds and three blocks per game as she was named the Hooch Holiday Classic Tournament Most Outstanding player.

“Alexis is a true leader on the floor,” Alpharetta Head Coach Angela Anderson said. “Because of her size and strength it makes her very hard to stop in high school post play. She works hard and pushes herself each day to get better.”

Carter, who is a 5-foot-8 guard from Atlanta’s Norcross High School, played an integral role in helping her team win the 2011 5-A State Championship.

“Tori is a quick guard that will add to our speed and athleticism on the perimeter,” Consuegra said.  “She has great change of speed that will allow her to get by defenses and create but she can also knock down the outside shot. Tori is a basketball junkie and she is constantly playing pickup, working out or just watching basketball on TV. I love the passion she has for the game.”

As a junior, she was selected to the GACA Georgia Junior All-Star team after averaging 7.8 points and three assists per game. As a sophomore, she earned All-State honors. She has been a three-year starter who has helped Norcross to three Region 7AAAAA championships. As a sophomore, she was named to the Westminster All-Tournament team. Carter is rated a two-star recruit by Hoopgurlz.

“Tori is a prolific guard that is fun to coach and fun to watch,” Norcross Head Coach Angie Hembree said. “Her energy is infectious and I truly believe Charlotte has made a great choice.”

Gordon, who is a 6-foot guard from Georgia’s Kennesaw Mountain High School, earned 5A honorable-mention all-state honors last season.

“Kira was our first commitment in the class,” Consuegra said.  “She really set the tone for the quality of players in this class. She is a big guard that will bring size and versatility on the perimeter. She possesses great athleticism and can be a matchup problem for opponents because she has so much skill as a guard, but she can post up as well. This is a young lady that gets up early every morning and works out before the start of school. She loves the game and is willing to put in the effort required to be great and that will go a long way in our program.”

Last season, Gordon averaged 14.9 points and 12.1 rebounds per game as she was named honorable-mention All-Cobb County honors. As a junior, she was named Early Season All-Metro Atlanta by the Atlanta Tip-Off Club. As a sophomore, she averaged 14.1 points and 11.7 rebounds per game en route to earning first-team All-Cobb County honors. She is rated a four-star recruit by Hoopgurlz.

“Kira is a very athletic, skilled player for her size,” Kennesaw Mountain Head Coach Philip Matthews said. “She is an extremely versatile player, one who can shoot from the outside, drive the ball to the lane, or work inside.  Her ability to rebound the basketball and score in traffic makes her tough to stop deep in the paint.  Kira will be a great addition to the Charlotte basketball program and community.”

Harris, who is a 5-foot-6 guard from the Bronx’s Murray Bergtraum High School, has helped her team capture three straight PSAL titles.

“Shequana will bring much needed depth at the point guard position,” Consuegra said. “She is a quick and explosive player that can flat out make plays with the basketball. She has the speed required to play at the fast paced tempo we want and she has a great basketball IQ. Shequana will also brings toughness and competitiveness which are characteristics that we value in our program. She wants the challenge of playing the best which is part of why she chose Charlotte.”

Harris has made the All-Tournament teams for the City and State Championships the past two seasons. Last season, she averaged 13 points, four assists and three steals en route to earning second-team All-City honors. Harris is rated a three-star recruit by Hoopgurlz.

“Shequana is a combo guard who can play either the point or the wing,” Murray Bergtraum Head Coach  Ed Grezinsky said. “She is an exceptional defender who has cat-quick hands.”

Alexander, Carter, Gordon and Harris join a 49ers’ women’s basketball program that will be seeking their school-record tenth consecutive postseason tournament bid in 2012.