Nov. 9, 2005
Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina head women’s basketball coach Susan Walvius announced the signing of point guard Lauren Falohun (Atlanta, Ga./Pace Academy) and shooting guard Kellindra Zackery (Newark, N.J./Malcolm X Shabazz HS) to National Letters of Intent on Wednesday.
A first-team all-state selection standing 5-9, Falohun is a hard-working guard who is known for her toughness. She was tabbed as an all-region and all-metro honoree. She was an all-star at the adidas Top Ten Girls All-American Basketball Camp in the summer of 2005. Falohun is a quick, strong and athletic point guard who plays physical and has tremendous court vision. She chose South Carolina over Alabama, Georgia Tech, Tulane and Charlotte. She plans on majoring in sport management.
“I chose South Carolina so I can play at the highest level and compete for a National Championship,” Falohun said. “I’m excited to work with Coach Marciniak at the point guard position and Coach Walvius was the key factor in my final decision.”
“Lauren is a special person and player,” Walvius said. “She has the determination and drive to be a top player in the SEC. Lauren is one of the better defenders and one of the more aggressive players that I saw this past summer. She is an elite athlete with quick feet and hands. She also has the communication skills to lead our team at the point guard position. She is a true floor general and I am excited to coach Lauren for the next four years.”
A first-team all-state selection standing 6-0, Zackery is widely recognized as one of the top prep players in New Jersey and was honored as the Essex County Player of the Year by The Star-Ledger after leading Shabazz HS to its fourth consecutive Essex County Tournament title. Zackery earned honorable mention All-America honors from Street and Smith’s after averaging 14.7 points, nine rebounds and two blocked shots per game as a junior. Zackery competed at the Best of the Best All-American Camp where she was recognized as the camp’s top player by Gameball Magazine. She was also honored as the Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year by her high school. She chose South Carolina over Rutgers, Temple, UMass and George Washington. Zackery plans on majoring in criminal justice.
“I loved South Carolina when I went on my official visit and I had a feeling I was going to sign with USC after spending time with the coaches and players, walking around campus and seeing the Colonial Center,” Zackery said. “I feel that I can be an impact player at USC and get an opportunity to compete for a National Championship.”
“Kellindra can do it all,” Walvius said. “She has the ability to score 40, defend the opponent’s best player and rebound as if she were 6-6. She is explosive, plays above the rim and is capable of dominating in the SEC. Kellindra is a competitor with a true leadership personality who has the confidence and skills to play at the highest level immediately.”
The Gamecocks open the 2005-06 season with an exhibition game against Everyone’s Internet at 7 p.m. on November 14 at the Colonial Center. Admission is free.
