Basketball Announces 2019-2020 Signing Class

The Brenau basketball team announces the signing of three transfers and five freshman to the 2019-2020 team.

Transfers Hanna Grogan, Xian Lopez and Tyleia Williams and freshman Samantha Glover, Maggie Griffin, Katherine Fourie, Jasmin Jackson and Maddie Thomas round out the signing class for the new academic year.

The class has strong local ties as three players are high school graduates from Hall County and two from neighboring Gwinnett County.

According to head coach Kris Stewart, the new commits should have an immediate impact on the Golden Tigers, noting, "This is a very good class that will provide shooting and length at every position. This is a highly decorated class and each also brings outstanding academic backgrounds to Brenau."

Grogan, a transfer from Emmanuel (Ga.) College, is a native of Gainesville, Ga. During her sophomore season at Emmanuel, Grogan helped the Lions capture both the NCAA DII Conference Carolinas regular season and tournament championships. The 5'9 wing led the Lions in scoring at 13.7 ppg and was selected as a Conference Carolinas All-Conference performer. While in high school, Grogan was a 2016 All-State Class A honoree, Region 8A Player of the Year and scored over 2000 points while at Lakeview Academy. Hannah will major in biology/pre-OT while at Brenau.

"Hanna is a proven scorer at the collegiate level," said Stewart. "She is a tenacious driver and a good shooter and I believe that she will have a significant impact on our team."

Lopez, a transfer from North Carolina Central University, is a native of Snellville. Ga. The daughter of Danyelle and Ian Lopez, the 5'11 post is an inside-outside threat that appeared in 21 games for the NCAA Division I Eagles, including posting a season-high 11 points against Bethune-Cookman University. During her high school career at South Gwinnett, Lopez was a two-time All-Region honoree. She will major in business administration at Brenau.

"Xian provides a strong post presence, coupled with outstanding shooting ability," said Stewart. "She has performed at the division one level and her versatility will be an asset for our team."

Williams, a transfer from Snead State Community College, is the daughter of Mace Simmons and a native of Macon, Ga. While at Snead State, the guard appeared in 27 games, posting a season high 12 points versus Cleveland State Community College. While in high school, Williams was a standout at Central High School for head coach Sheila Toombs. She averaged 13 ppg and was both a first team all-region performer and an All-Middle Georgia selection. She plans on majoring in biology at Brenau.

"Tyleia is an athletic combo guard with a strong mid-range game," said Stewart. "She is also a very good defender who will help solidify our backcourt."

Glover, the daughter of Billy Greene, is a graduate of Morrow High School in Morrow, Ga. During her senior season, she averaged 10 points and five rebounds and was named team captain. The combo guard plans on majoring in business.

"Samantha is a solid shooter and has good potential," said head coach Kris Stewart. "Her work ethic and character are assets to our program."

Griffin, a native of Gainesville, Ga., is the daughter of Melissa and Scott Griffin. The forward averaged 9.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg and 2.8 spg during her senior season and was an AAA All-Region first-team selection for head coach Justin Wheeler at East Hall High School. Griffin plans on pursuing a degree in nursing.

"Maggie is a versatile, aggressive player," said Stewart. "She has the ability to guard multiple positions and is a tough, competitive wing that is just scratching the surface of her ability".

Fourie, a native of Lawrenceville, Ga., is the daughter of Adriane and Johannes Fourie. During her senior season, Fourie helped Collins Hill High School and head coach Brian Harmon to a 30-2 record. The 5'9 sharpshooter averaged 10.1 ppg, while shooting 41% from three-point range, and was named as both the top shooter in 7A and an All-Region selection for her play during her final season. She also eclipsed the 1,000 point mark in high school. Fourie plans on majoring in psychology at Brenau.

"Katherine is one of the top senior shooters in the state," said Stewart. "She comes from a strong high school program and is an excellent student. She will definitely contribute to both our team and our University."

Jackson, a native of Cedar Key, Florida, is the daughter of Cynthia and Patrick Jackson. During her senior campaign, Jackson averaged 16.4 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 5.6 apg and 2.8 spg for head coach David Tomlin. The 5'5 combo guard broke the 1,000 point barrier and was a Sun All-Region First-Team selection. She will also compete for the Golden Tigers' track and field team and plans on majoring in business.

"Jasmin is a multi-sport athlete who has significant potential," said Stewart. "Her athleticism and character will be an asset to both the basketball and track and field programs."

Thomas, a 5'10 shooting guard, is a native of Flowery Branch, Ga. and a graduate of Cherokee Bluff High School. The daughter of Dodie and Rodney Thomas, the standout was a team captain for head coach Lindsay Justice. During her senior season, Thomas averaged 13 ppg as a senior and was an AAA All-Region honorable mention. She plans on majoring in exercise science.

"Maddie is a natural leader," said Stewart. "Her leadership, work ethic and shooting ability are all traits that I was drawn to in the recruiting process and I am very happy to have her as part of our program."

The Golden Tigers basketball team also returns ten letter winners from the 2018-19 team.Â

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