March 12, 2010
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
As the 2009-10 Maryland Terrapins are preparing for post season, we decided to revisit some of our incoming Terps and see what they have been doing on the court this season.
ALYSSA THOMAS
Alyssa Thomas (Central Dauphin H.S., Harrisburg, Pa.) recently became her high school's all-time leading scorer as she led the squad to its second consecutive District title. Thomas has 659 points this season and 2,194 points in her career. She was recently named the 2010 District 3-AAAA Most Valuable Player after her championship game efforts.
So far Thomas has played in 27 games, 26 of which she recorded double-figure points. Twenty-three of those games Thomas registered 20 or more points and six of those Thomas put up 30-plus points. She is averaging a double-double with 24.4 points per game and 12.8 rebounds per contest. Thomas' season high stats include 37 points, 22 rebounds, nine assists, five steals and three blocks each on two occasions.
Arguably one of her best games came on Dec. 29, 2009 against St. John-Vianney. The Rams earned a 65-61 win over the Lancers behind Thomas' 29 points and 22 rebounds. She was 11-for-19 from the field.
Thomas was a McDonald's nominee and an undisputed selection for ESPN's All-Star list. She was recognized by pennlive.com as one of the best athletes to come out of high school from Pennsylvania in the last decade.
Thomas will next lead her team to the state round of playoffs Friday, March 12.
ALICIA DEVAUGHN
Alicia DeVaughn (Blanche Ely H.S., West Palm Beach, Fla.) has one more game left on her schedule before she comes to the Terrapins. She is set to compete in the McDonald's All-American game in Columbus, Ohio, on March 31 along with incoming teammate Laurin Mincy as a part of the East team.
DeVaughn only played one season with her current high school team after transferring from South Broward in the fall. She averaged a double-double with 19.5 points and 18.7 rebounds per game. DeVaughn was just shy of a triple-double with 8.4 blocks per contest.
The Ely Tigers' season was cut short in the Florida State Championship tournament by Dillard who went on to win the crown. In the district semifinals, DeVaughn pulled down 32 rebounds and added 20 points in the win over Nova on their way to the district championship title.
DeVaughn is rated the No. 5 center in the nation and an ESPNU 100 Player. She was on the Florida First Team All-State in 2008 and 2009 while leading her team to the 2009 State Regional Semifinals averaging 19 points, 16 rebounds and 10 blocks per game.
LAURIN MINCY
Laurin Mincy (University H.S./Newark, N.J.) will play with incoming Maryland freshman Alicia DeVaughn in the McDonald's All-American game in Columbus, Ohio. Mincy accumulated almost 2,000 points during her time at University.
Mincy was named a "Girl Athlete to Remember" by nj.com. She was the first freshman named First Team All-State in girl's basketball, was the State Player of the Year twice and helped University High School to the Tournament of Champions title as a freshman.
Throughout her high school career Mincy has been named the Star Ledger State Player of the Year twice (2009, 2008), NJ State Gatorade Player of the Year in 2009, given All-State honors in 2009, 2008, 2007, named Essex County Player of the Year in 2007, was the Tournament of Champions MVP of 2007 and is a two-time NJSIAA State Group I Championship MVP (2008, 2007). Mincy was rated the No. 1 shooting guard in the nation.
NATASHA CLOUD
Natasha Cloud (Cardinal O'Hara H.S./Broomall, Pa.) closes out her senior year with the Lions this spring. Cloud will help lead her team in the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Playoffs as they face Downingtown East in the first round of play. There is potential for Cloud's team to meet with Alyssa Thomas and the Central Dauphin Rams in the quarterfinals should both teams advance through the first two rounds.
In 2009 Cloud led her team to a 17-3 finish and a national ranking of No. 10.
Cloud's high school career is marked by such achievements as: the Michael Menichini Award (2009); Third Team All State; First Team All Delco 2009; First Team All Catholic 2009; Second Team All Catholic 2008. Cloud was rated the No. 8 shooting guard in the nation.
WHITNEY BAYS
Whitney Bays (Huntington, W. Va./Huntington H.S.) played for Coach Lonnie Lucas in high school and on the AAU Team, West Virginia Thunder, with Coach Larry Lambert. Bays was a nominee for the 2010 McDonald's All-America team. She had been rehabbing an injury this season but has built quite the impressive resume already. Some of her highlights include:
• West Virginia Player of the Year 2009;
• West Virginia 1st Team All State 2007, 2008, 2009;
• MSAC Player of the Year 2009;
• Gatorade Player of the Year 2008, 2009;
• Led Huntington High to State Finals Averaging 24.4 points, 11.1 rebounds in 2009;
• Rated #2 Forward in the Nation.
