Head coach Bill Sullivan announced the new additions to the Barry University women’s basketball team. The six newcomers include three four-year transfers, one junior college transfer, two international players and one freshman from a local prestigious high school.
“We are very pleased with our 2014-15 recruiting class,” Sullivan said. “All of our newcomers are excellent students, outstanding players and great people as well. We believe we have filled our needs and we expect our new players to contribute immediately. When our newcomers are added to our returners, we will have depth and competition at every position.”
Toni Niebler, originally from Germany, comes to Barry from NCAA Division I Murray State University in Kentucky. At 5-9, she can play the guard or forward positions. Very athletic, she is known as an excellent defender.
“Toni is an athletic guard who has experience playing against excellent competition at both the DI level and internationally,” Sullivan said. “She is a superb shooter, a great passer and an excellent on-ball defender. We are excited to add Toni to our Barry basketball family.”
Kim Flournoy is another DI transfer. An athletic perimeter player, she played two years at Seattle University and also has a reputation as an outstanding defender.
“Kim is the ultimate team player with a great attitude,” Sullivan said. “She brings us DI athleticism, exceptional speed and is expected to be one of our top defenders. Kim has the ability to drive to the rim to go along with her long-distance shooting.”
Transfer Amra Elezovic comes from Southern New Hampshire University. The leading scorer for the Penmen, she is a versatile 5-11 player with a strong shooting touch.
“Amra will be one of our most versatile players as she can literally play all five positions on the court,” Sullivan said. “Her ability to slash to the basket combined with her long-distance shooting makes her a formidable offensive weapon for us.”
Transferring to Barry from Grossmont Community College in California is 5-11 post player, Kaila Britten. Kaila is a solid scorer, rebounder and defender on the block.
“Kaila is one of those players who puts forth maximum effort every possession,” Sullivan said. “She is an excellent defender and has great footwork in the low post. Kaila is crafty around the basket and can score from the outside as well. Kaila is a blue-collar type player and will bring us physical and mental toughness at the post position.”
Irene Sanchez is a 6-0 skilled player from Spain who can play in the post or on the perimeter. Irene has experience playing at a high level versus International competition.
“Irene is a skilled, versatile offensive player who can play many positions,” according to Sullivan. “We like the fact that she has International playing experience and we are excited to add Irene to our Barry basketball family. We expect Irene to be an immediate impact player for us.”
Melanie Jordan is a 5-7 local high school product from one of the most successful girls’ basketball high school programs in Florida - Our Lady of Lourdes Academy. Jordan also played for one of the elite AAU teams – the Miami Suns. A long-range sharpshooter, Mel set the single game school record for made three-pointers when she hit 12 treys in a game during her senior year.
“Melanie is an excellent student in the classroom and an intelligent guard on the court,” Sullivan said. “She comes from an outstanding high school program so she is accustomed to success. We like everything about Melanie, especially her competitiveness, her ability to score, and her basketball instincts. Mel is a great addition to our team.”
The Bucs tip off the season at the NSU Tip-off Classic against Shorter and Alabama-Huntsville from the Gulf South Conference Nov. 14-15.