April 4, 2007

For More Information, Contact: Keith Gentry (901) 333-4114/ (901) 619-1899 / Kimberly Kreider (901) 333-4023

SHIELDS SELECTED IN WNBA DRAFT
Release written by Keith Gentry

Sophomore guard Ashley Shields was chosen in the first round as the eighth overall pick in Wednesday’s WNBA Draft by the Houston Comets, becoming the first Southwest player ever drafted. Shields was the only player from a two-year college selected.

As a sophomore at Southwest, Shields was named to the Junior College/Community College Kodak/WBCA All-American Team and Player of the Year in the Tennessee Junior and Community College Athletic Association by a unanimous vote of the coaches. In the Lady Saluqis’ TJCCAA/NJCAA Region VII Tournament quarterfinal win over Cleveland State, she scored a NJCAA record 65 points and also set new Southwest single game records for 22 field goals made, 20 free throws made and 25 free throws attempted.

Shields led the NJCAA in scoring this season with an average of 27.4 points per game and was among national leaders in rebounding (11.3), assists (6.6) and steals (4.1). She also led the Lady Saluqis in field goal percentage (.558), and three-point percentage (.443). She recorded four triple-doubles and 19 double-doubles this season and had season highs of 15 rebounds (vs. Arkansas Baptist, Hiwassee, and Saint Catharine), 14 assists (vs. Jackson State), eight steals (vs. Cleveland State), and four blocked shots (vs. Hiwassee).

2007 WNBA DRAFT, ROUND 1