Hamilton Heights picked up another key transfer this week, as former Brainerd High School point guard, Jamee Ward, announced she would be transferring to the private school for the 2015-2016 campaign.
Ward, a 5-foot-5-inch rising senior, has been a key contributor to the Lady Panthers’ program the past three years as she played under her brother, coach, Tyrus Ward, averaging a little over 20 points per game this past season. She led the Lady Panthers to the District 6-AA championship this past season, being named to the all-district team.
Ward was also selected to the Tennessee Sports Writers Association All-State team in 2014.
When asked why she was making the move, Ward said: “Hamilton Heights has a very strong program with very talented players. I wanted to play on a team filled with talent, and Hamilton Heights will certainly help open up more doors for college.”
Hamilton Heights’ Head of School, Duke Stone, said of the Ward transfer: “We have competed against Jamee a couple of times over the past few years. She is an extremely gifted athlete and skilled player. Normally, once a public school athlete is in their high school career, we will only accept their transfer if their coach contacts us, requesting the transfer.
“We were obviously interested in Jamee when coach Ward contacted us back in February to tell us that she may be interested in transferring and that he felt it would help her basketball opportunities to do so. We wanted Jamee and her family to take time to fully weigh her options, but we informed them, that with coach Ward’s approval, we would welcome her at Hamilton Heights. Obviously, we are excited about pairing her in the backcourt with senior Akia Harris, and our two younger sophomore guards, Jazmine Massengill and Elizabeth Balogun, both of whom already have Division 1 offers.”
The Lady Hawks were 24-9 last season and return almost all of the key components from that team, including Massengill, Balogun, rising seniors Mariya Bardeeva and Juliet Esadah, and rising junior Amber Hunt, all of whom are being recruited by NCAA Division I programs.
They will also add a 6-2 post player from Russia, sophomore Sofia Besedina.
With the addition of Besedina, Harris, and Ward, the Lady Hawks have eight potential Division 1 signees on the team.
Filling out the roster will be returning senior guard Teodora Todorova, and 6-1 senior post Damilola Balogun.
Coach Keisha Hunt added about the transfer: “I am very excited about Jamee joining the Lady Hawks. She has such a strong skill set and will bring an instant offense to our team. I believe Jamee’s explosive speed on offense and defense will help us reach our team goal of being a nationally-ranked top 25 team.”