By: Jake Miller
HARTSVILLE, S.C.- Coker women's basketball has added six players to its 2016-17 recruiting class. Iresha Cooper, Tchenavia "Shay" Jackson, Traiana Johnson, Kaitlin Pickens, Kelsi Bachmann and Caitland Considine have all signed with Coker and will call the DeLoach Center home.
Cooper had a successful high school basketball career at Hemingway High School, being named team MVP twice, along with being named All-Region twice. In 2014, she was voted one of the top five Class A girls basketball seniors in the state of South Carolina. She comes to Coker after a two-year career at Louisburg Junior College, where she earned her associate's degree and was a member of the 2016 All-Region team and played in 25 games scoring 317 points and boasting a 58.3 FG percentage and added 16 assist and 4 blocks.
"She's a well-rounded player who will make others around her better," said Coker head coach Shannon Johnson.
"Shay is a versatile player who will be able to play all the guard positions. We are looking for her to be an immediate impact to our program," said Johnson.
Johnson also comes to Coker from Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School, where she was a three-sport athlete in cross country, track and field, and basketball. She played club basketball for the Express and South Carolina Future. She was also an honor roll student in high school.
"Traiana is a very solid post player with strong work ethic. She will bring toughness and energy every game," said Johnson.
Pickens comes to Coker from CA Johnson High School, where she was a two-time All-State selection, an All-Region selection and was named to the North-South All-Star team. She also helped guide the Hornets to a pair of region championships.
"She's very explosive and a hard-nosed player. I look forward to her bringing her work ethic and athletic ability to the Cobras," said Johnson.
Bachmann comes to Coker from St. James High School where she played basketball and softball. On the court she was a four-year member of the varsity basketball team. In 2016, she was named to the Region VII-AAA All-Region second team. In 2015, she was named to The Sun News's "Toast of the Coast" first-team and also to the Region VII-AAA All-Region first team.
"Kelsi is an all-around athlete and leader. We are looking for her to bring her work ethic and leadership at the point guard position," said Johnson.
Considine comes to Hartsville from Central Connecticut State where she saw action in 16 games last season as a sophomore. She attended Mauldin High School where she played basketball and soccer for the Mavericks. She received her team's "Work Horse" Award as a senior, as well as 4A All-Region honors.
"We are looking for Caitland to be an immediate impact next season. Her experience and work ethic will be a plus for our team," said Johnson.
The group of six will be joined by 12 returning players for Shannon Johnson's second season at the helm.