MonticelloLive

University of Arkansas at Monticello head women’s basketball coach Chris Ratcliff has announced the signing of four student-athletes to national letters of intent to play basketball for the Cotton Blossoms beginning this fall.

Guard Andrea Dubose (Newton, Miss. / East Central CC), point guard Joshlyn Stewart (Killeen, Texas / McLennan CC), forward LaToya Josey (Madisonville, Texas / Clarendon College), and guard/forward Janette Thompson (Hot Springs, Ark. / Mountain Pine HS) have all committed to join the Cotton Blossoms program.

Dubose, a 5-9 junior, has spent the last two seasons at East Central Community College in Decatur, Mississippi, and has earned Second Team All-State and Second Team All-Region honors after averaging 13.3 points per game and shooting 42.9 percent from beyond the three-point arc.

“Andrea is a great addition to our program,” said Ratcliff. “She had offers from several schools in our conference. She is a good shooter and an even better defender. Our fans are going to love watching her play. She is not only an excellent player, but is also an excellent student.”

Stewart, a 5-7 junior has spent the last two years at McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas, and set the tempo for her team after averaging 6.4 points and 6.6 assists per game. Stewart earned NJCAA Region 4 All-Conference honors.

“My number one goal in recruiting this off-season was finding an experienced point guard to come in and run things. Joshlyn played point for a very good junior college team that went to the playoffs,” said Ratcliff. “I have known her coach for many years, and I know that if you play for him you are going to play basketball the right way. If you look at her numbers, you will see that she has a knack for setting up her teammates for easy baskets.”

The Blossoms add a true low-post scoring threat with the signing of Josey, a 5-11 sophomore from Clarendon College in Clarendon, Texas. Josey averaged 8.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game as a freshman after averaging 18.9 points and 11.2 rebounds as a high school senior.

“I feel very fortunate to land a player of LaToya’s caliber,” said Ratcliff. “She will be in our program for the next three years. She played in every game as a freshman, next to a 6-5 post player that signed with Texas Tech. She is going to be a special player when it is all said and done.”

Ratcliff also adds Thompson, a 5-10 combination guard/forward from Hot Springs. A four-time All-Conference and All-District selection, as well as a two-time All-Region and All-State honoree, Thompson averaged 23 points and nine rebounds per game as a senior, along with 3.5 assists and 2.3 steals per game.

“I am excited that Janette has decided to join the UAM family,” said Ratcliff. “She is a solid guard who can shoot from long-range as well as post up. She will definitely be a solid addition to the program.”