Wilson signs three to begin first Division I signing class

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STEPHENVILLE – Tarleton head coach Misty Wilson has announced the signing of three breakout stars during the early signing period – Adreanna Waddle, Emily Cunningham, and Blythe Williams.

Adreanna Waddle • Fort Worth, Texas • Southwest HS

Waddle, a 6-2 forward from Fort Worth’s Southwest High School, will join the Texans after a stellar high school career.

“Adreanna will be a great addition to our 2020 signing class,” said Wilson. “She has tremendous size and does some phenomenal things in the post that are very hard to defend. She is a very raw talent right now and I am not even sure she knows how good she can be. With her size and skill set inside and on the perimeter, she could cause some match-up troubles for opponents.

“I believe Adreanna will come a long way very quickly with individual work and a commitment to the weight room,” she continued. “I am very confident that Adreanna will come in, work hard, and really commit to the program which will lead to a remarkable college career for her. We are excited about the opportunity to coach a player of her caliber and are excited to develop a player like Adreanna.”

Last year, Waddle averaged a double-double (10.6 points and 12.6 rebounds per game) and is on track to do the same this season. In three games this year, Waddle is averaging 12.3 points, 11 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks. Waddle earned District 6-5A Defensive Player of the Year last year and is a three-time All-Tournament Team selection.

Emily Cunningham • Milford, Texas • Hill Jr. College

Cunningham, a 6-0 guard/forward, comes to Tarleton after a standout two-year career at Hill College.

“Emily is a player we have had our eye on for a while now. We believe she fits into our system and program perfectly,” said Wilson. “She has outstanding versatility and can cause matchup nightmares anywhere on the floor. She has the ability to play the guard position, as well as the forward position, and can do both very effectively. Emily is a very cerebral player that really understands the game of basketball. She has a great feel for the game and the talent and knowledge to make the players around her better.

“Emily can really score the ball and can do so all over the floor,” she continued. “In addition, Emily is a great student that plans on pursuing a career in nursing. She is a dedicated student-athlete that will make an immediate impact on and off the floor. I am extremely excited that Emily chose Tarleton and believe she will leave her mark at Tarleton State.”

So far this season, Cunningham has averaged 10 points and 3.5 rebounds per game in 20 minutes of play for the Hill College Rebels. She averaged eight points and three rebounds during her freshman campaign.

Blythe Williams • Midlothian, Texas • Heritage HS

Williams, a 5-9 guard, will join Tarleton following her final season at Midlothian Heritage High School.

“We are very excited about the addition of a complete player like Blythe Williams,” said Wilson. “She is a left-handed guard that can run the point and play either of the other two guard spots. Blythe has exceptional ball handling skills and court vision that really benefits all that play around her. Blythe is also an exceptional defender that uses her length and quickness to harass offensive players.

“If that’s not enough, Blythe will be among the top graduates in her graduating class,” she continued. “Her commitment to the classroom carries over to the court as well. She is a dedicated student athlete that we expect will have an outstanding four-year career at Tarleton State.”

Williams has been on the varsity team at Midlothian Heritage since she was a freshman. Last season, she averaged 9.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.4 steals in 39 games. Williams’ performance on the court earned her multiple accolades, including TABC All-Region, TABC All-State Team, District 17-AAAA Defensive Player of the Year, and District 17-AAAA Academic All District Team.

Cunningham, Williams, and Waddle become the first three members of Tarleton’s 2020 recruiting class.


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