The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Blazers Sign Virginia Standout for 2007-08 Season
11/15/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 15, 2006
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Brooke Shepherd, who has earned prep All-America honors as one of the top girls' basketball players in the state of Virginia, has signed a national letter-of-intent with UAB, according to an announcement by Blazers' head coach Audra Smith.
The 6-1 forward from Bristol, Va. is regarded among Virginia's top prospects, as well as one of the best players in the country. She has earned various accolades during her prep career, including being listed as an All-American by Street & Smith.
Shepherd began her decorated prep career at Virginia High School, playing for head coach Barry Reed. As a freshman, she racked up 15 points per contest and became the first freshman in history to earn the Highlands District Player of the Year award.
She followed her impressive freshman season with a career-high 18.5 ppg as a sophomore. As a junior in 2005-06, she averaged 16.9 ppg under head coach Bill Christian at Grundy High School, helping them to a Southwest District title. Shepherd has returned to Virginia High School to play out her senior campaign under Reed's guidance.
Shepherd has amassed over 1,000 career points while being named as three-time all-district, two-time All-Region IV, three-time All-Southwest Virginia, two-time all-state and three-time Highlands District Player of the Year. Earning her team's MVP award in 2005 and Best Offensive Player honor in 2006, she has also been listed in the Who's Who in Among America's High School Students on three separate occasions.
A versatile offensive threat who can score both inside and on the perimeter, Shepherd led the Southwest and Highlands District in scoring during the past two seasons and earned the Region IV scoring title in 2005. In addition, she has been invited to the Nike Boo Williams Tournament, the Nike Nationals and the Adidas All-Star Invitational in both 2005 and 2006.
"Brooke is a highly-touted player out of Virginia that I've known since she's been 12 years old," said Smith. "Over the years, she has developed into an outstanding player that will make an immediate impact for us.
"She brings so much versatility to our team and will continue to add depth for us. She can play the three and four position and also can hit that outside shot."
