By Staff
Former T.R. Miller Lady Tigers basketball standout Deanna Jackson was selected by the Indiana Fever in Tuesday's WNBA Dispersal Draft.
The draft became necessary when Jackson's former club, the Cleveland Rockers, folded after the 2003 season. Jackson was selected fifth in the 13-player draft.
Penny Taylor, a 6-1 forward who was selected by the Phoenix Mercury, was drafted number one. The Washington Mystics made Chastity Melvin, a 6-3 forward/center, the number two choice, while the San Antonio Silver Stars picked 6-2 forward Latoya Thomas in the third spot. Ann Wauters, a 6-4 center, was drafted fourth by the New York Liberty.
Jackson, a 6-2 forward, joins an Indiana Fever team that compiled a 16-18 record last season. Indiana's roster already contains WNBA All-Stars Tamika Catchings and Natalie Williams. The Fever should also get a boost next season with the return of Olympia Scott. Scott started for Indiana in the 2002 season, but missed last season due to an injury.
Indiana Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Kelly Krauskopf said the Fever are glad to add Jackson to their roster.
"Deanna is the player we had hoped would be there when we drafted," Krauskopf said. "She adds athleticism, size and versatility to our perimeter rotation. Deanna is a good, young talent. We are very excited to have her."
Jackson has played two seasons in the WNBA, both with the Rockers. Last season she averaged 7.1 points and 2.6 rebounds a game. She shot 41 percent from the field and also 41 percent from three-point land.
Cleveland drafted Jackson in the first round with the eighth choice overall in 2002. Jackson graduated college from Alabama-Birmingham where she averaged 26.3 points and 12.3 rebounds a game in a senior season shortened by injury.
Jackson is T.R. Miller's all-time career scoring leader with 2,398 points. She also held the Lady Tigers' single game scoring record with 47 points until Ashley Samuel broke it last month with 49 in a game against W.S. Neal.
Jackson is playing this winter for the Kumho Life Falcons in the Women's Korea Basketball League.
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W.S. Neal Blue Eagles senior running back Alphonso Gross has given a verbal commitment to play at West Virginia.
Gross rushed for 2,407 yards and scored 36 touchdowns. thisseason. He wound up with 6,096 yards for his career.
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"Alphonso flew out to West Virginia a few days ago and really liked it. Alphonso really likes the campus and he likes the way West Virginia uses its running backs," W.S. Neal coach Shane Smothers said. "It will be a great opportunity for him. I know Alphonso is glad to get this (a decision) behind him."
Gross is expected to make his signing official February 4, which is the first day high school players can sign. T.R. Miller Tigers senior tight end Trent Davidson is expected to make his signing with Alabama official that day as well. Davidson gave his commitment to the Crimson Tide during the season.
Registration for the upcoming Brewton Little League baseball season will be held February 16, February 17 and February 19 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the T.R. Miller High School Field House.
All players who turn age nine before August 1, 2004 and do not turn age 13 before August 1, 2004 are eligible to play. Players must bring a birth certificate to verify age.
Players will be fitted for shirts and pants.
Tryouts will be held February 28 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon for players in the age nine and 10 division at the Brewton YMCA Sports Park. Tryouts for for players in the age 11 and 12 division will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Those tryouts will also be held at the Brewton YMCA Sports Park.
Individuals who are interested in coaching a team must fill out a Little League Volunteer Application Form. The Brewton Little League Board will approve coaches based on qualifications.
For more information, contact Tony Smith at 867-6407 or Randy Denton at 867-8876 after 5 p.m.
The Brewton Baseball Umpires Association is recruiting anyone who is interested in becoming a high school baseball umpire for the upcoming season.
All interested individuals must be at least 19 years old, have knowledge and love of the game of baseball, and dedication to the advancement of youth activities in this area.
For more information, contact Ricky Dean at 809-2156 or 809-2869.