April 17, 2012
NORFOLK, Va. - Old Dominion University women's basketball head coach Karen Barefoot announced that Shae Kelley and Brittany Martin signed National Letters of Intent on Tuesday.
Kelley will be a sophomore and Martin a freshman when both join Old Dominion in the fall.
Kelley played this season at Northwest Florida State College where she helped the Raiders to a 23-6 record and ranking as high as No. 4. She finished second on the squad with 13.8 points per game and led the team with 7.6 rebounds per game.
Shae Kelley 6-1 Forward Park Hill, Colo./Denver East/Northwest Florida State College
Kelley ranks as the No. 9 overall junior college player and No. 3 at her position by Dan Olson Collegiate Girls Basketball Report. While at Northwest Florida State College, Kelley earned Panhandle Conference Freshman of the Year honors and was named First-Team All-Conference as well as earning NJCAA Third-Team All-American accolades.
Coming out of Denver East High School, Kelley was named Ms. Colorado Basketball by the Denver Post. She led Denver East to the schools first state championship as a senior.
Other schools considered: Florida State, Washington, Virginia Tech, Mississippi State, Texas Tech, Georgia Tech, Tennessee.
"Shae is an exceptional, versatile athlete who can dominate from the inside and out. She is a proven winner coming off a 23-6 season, in the toughest junior college conference in the country. She is a long, explosive, dynamic scorer, and unbelievable mismatch on the perimeter. She is an all-around player, that takes pride in her defense," Barefoot said. "Shae will make an immediate positive impact on the court, in the classroom, and in the community. She is truly a program changer. I am enthused and so proud to coach such a dominant athlete, but an even better person."
Northwest Florida State Coach Patrick Harrington
"Shae is a great kid, a very good student and very competitive young lady. She never takes a possession off and was very versatile for us. She was able to play point guard and also able to defend the post. She can play a number of positions, she can play the perimeter she is very good at attacking and she's very good on the offensive glass. Shae should be able to do great things at ODU."
Brittany Martin 6-4 Center Brooklyn, N.Y./Bishop Ford
Martin didn't start playing basketball until her freshman year at Bishop Ford and turned into a defensive force for the Falcons. She was named team MVP.
Other schools considered: Fordham, Stonybrook, Morehead State , Arkansas, Central Conn. St, James Madison, East Carolina.
"Brittany is also a proven winner coming off a 21-6 season this year. Not only is she a 6-4 defensive presence in the paint, but she is a relentless worker as well. She has tremendous upside. Her commitment and drive to continuously elevate her game is very admirable. The way that she blocks shots, and rebounds the ball like an animal gets me excited," Barefoot said. "She is athletic and agile, and runs the floor like a deer. Her potential is off the charts, and I cant wait to get her here to start working with her. She will be an important piece to our success puzzle."
Bishop Ford Coach Mike Toro on Brittany Martin
"Brittany has come a long way. She is a presence defensively and has the ability to change multiple shots. She has the potential to be a very good contributor to ODU for years to come."
AAU Coach Ron Kelley on Brittany Martin
"I'm very happy with Brittany's progress this year. She is one of the best shot blockers and rebounders in our league. The best part is she's just beginning to scratch the surface."