Lady Bulldogs Sign Two For ‘07

Ivan McDowell, Southeast/Mid-South Editor

Alabama A&M adds pieces to already talented puzzle

May 5, 2007 - Coach Altherias Warmley’s Alabama A&M University Lady Bulldogs just missed winning the SWAC regular season last season and then fizzled in the opening round of the conference tourney. The Lady Bulldogs hope to have added some much needed pieces to the puzzle by signing a guard and a forward for the their 2007 class.

Erica Thompson, a 5’5” scoring guard comes to “The Hill” from Dutchtown High in the Atlanta, GA area. Thompson will bring a fiery floor general’s persona, as well as, 15.7 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game to the Normal, AL campus.

Erica Thompson adds a scoring punch from her point guard position to the Lady Bulldogs attack.

“Erica is a leader and has a big heart”, stated Warmley. Thompson will wreak havoc on the defensive end, while also having the innate ability to dribble penetrate and either finish at the rim or kick to teammates for shots.

“We were able to get in on Erica early and feel like we got a special player”, said Warmley.

Brittany Manning brings her versatility to A&M from nearby Bob Jones High in Madison, AL. Manning comes from one of the winningest programs in the state the last three years: The Lady Patriots have been ranked #1 in the state at some point in each of the last two seasons. Manning averaged 11 points and 5 rebounds last season on a talented Bob Jones squad.

Brittany Manning (back row, second from left) ,shown here with the Southern Starz AAU squad, brings versatility and toughness to A&M.

“Brittany is a great defender, who always seems to be around the basketball. Once again she’s another one of those players that has a lot of heart and brings many intangibles to the floor.”, noted her coach-to-be.

Manning will attempt to slide into the role vacated by do-everything forward and team leader Tamika Green, who has since graduated. Her aggression and intensity will be necessary if the A&M is to get over the hump and win their first SWAC Championship.

“I think both young ladies will come in and help us right away”, exclaimed Warmley. “They will make us a better and stronger basketball team with what they bring to the floor.

“We are fortunate to have them.”