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Catchings, Smith Named Co-Captains for WBCA High School All-America Team
ATLANTA -- Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) stars Tamika Catchings (Indiana Fever) and Katie Smith (Minnesota Lynx) will serve as co-captains of the 2003 WBCA High School All-America Game, Presented by Nike, Friday, April 4, at Georgia Tech’s Alexander Memorial Coliseum in Atlanta, Georgia. "I am really honored about being a co-captain at the WBCA High School All-American Game,” said Tamika Catchings. “Having been a part of the game in my senior year in high school, it was an honor to even be able to play with such great players. And, now to be able to reverse the roles, and be a co-captain, I am excited about seeing what the future holds for women's basketball."

Both WNBA All-Stars are former WBCA High School All-Americans. Catchings, a four-time Kodak All-American and former WBCA National Player of the Year from the University of Tennessee participated in the 1997 event. Smith, a graduate of Ohio State University and two-time Kodak All-American participated in the 1992 event.

“We are thrilled about having two of our former WBCA All-Americans participate as honorary co-captains,” said Beth Bass, WBCA CEO. “It’s especially a pleasure to have these two individuals. Katie Smith is a member of our first High School All-America team in 1992 and Tamika participated in our high school game and college All-Star game.”

Twenty of the nation's top female high school seniors will participate in the college-style regulation game. Last year's game featured such standouts as University of Connecticut's Ann Strother and Nicole Wolff, Tennessee's Shanna Zolman and Duke's Brooke Smith and Mistie Bass. Over the years, such notable players as Chamique Holdsclaw, Sue Bird, Shea Ralph, Olympia Scott, Saudia Roundtree, Nykesha Sales and Shannon Johnson have participated in this All-America Game.

“It will be awesome being a co-captain at the WBCA High School All- America Game,” remarked Katie Smith. “To be there and interact with such talented young ladies will be great. We will be able to check out the future of women’s basketball.”

This will be the first game featured in “The Night of All-Stars,” a doubleheader prelude to the NCAA Women’s Final Four. Following the High School All-America Game will be the future stars of the WNBA competing in the All-Star Challenge, which brings 20 of the top seniors in collegiate basketball together for a night of spectacular hoops.

The members of the 2003 WBCA High School All-America Game were announced on February 19th. A committee of WBCA-member high school coaches who represent nine geographical districts from across the nation chooses these 20 outstanding student-athletes.

Below is a list of players to participate in this year’s WBCA High School All-America Game:

NAME HOMETOWN HIGH SCHOOL
Alison Bales Beavercreek, OH Beavercreek HS
Kalee Carey Canyon, TX Canyon HS
Jessica Davenport Columbus, OH Independence HS
Dee Davis Cincinnati, OH Princeton HS
Lauren Ervin Inglewood, CA Inglewood HS
Katie Gearlds Beech Grove, IN Beech Grove HS
Jennifer Harris Harrisburg, PA Central Dauphin HS
Brandie Hoskins Dayton, OH Chaminade-Julienne HS
Brittany Hunter Columbus, OH Brookhaven HS
Tiffany Jackson Duncanville, TX Duncanville HS
Britney Jordan Peoria, IL Woodruff HS
Ivory Latta McConnells, SC York Comprehensive HS
Erin Lawless Berwyn, IL Fenwick HS
Camille Little Winston-Salem, NC Carver HS
Amber Long Irmo, SC Dutch Fork HS
Noelle Quinn Los Angeles, CA Bishop Montgomery HS
Dominque Redding Clearwater, FL Clearwater HS
Alesha Robertson Plainview, TX Plainview HS
Liz Sherwood Castle Rock, CO Highlands Ranch HS
Dorian Williams Jacksonville, FL Ribault Senior HS

Fans can order tickets by calling the Georgia Tech Ticket Office at 888-TECH-TIX (888-832-4849) or by visiting the Georgia Tech Box Office. Individual tickets for the WBCA “Night of All-Stars” range from $20.00 to $25.00. Lower Level reserved chair back are $25.00. Lower Level reserved bench seats are $20.00 a piece or group rate of $15.00 a piece for 10 or more. Upper level general admission seats are $15.00 a piece or group rate of $10.00 a piece for 10 or more tickets.

Founded in 1981, the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association promotes women’s basketball by unifying coaches at all levels to develop a reputable identity for the sport of women’s basketball and to foster and promote the development of the game of basketball as an amateur sport for women and girls. For more information on the WBCA, visit WBCA.org

 
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