CLEMSON, S.C. – In her first signing period at the helm of Clemson women’s basketball, head coach Amanda Butler welcomes five new players to the program, as announced on Thursday. A mix of guards and forwards, this class is a versatile, play-making group that adds height to the Clemson roster.
“I’m really pleased with this group of people who made an awesome decision to not only join Clemson but also play with each other,” said Butler. “They are a hard-working, competitive group that fit into our TLC culture perfectly.”
The 2019 signing class has an international flair to it as two of the six signees hail from Australia.
Position: Forward Hometown: Port Lincoln, South Australia High School: Forestville
The first part of the Australian duo, Hank hails from South Australia, where she most recently represented her region at the U18 Australian National Junior Championships, helping her team to a second place finish.
A 6-foot-2 stretch player, Hank provides depth and international experience for the Tigers at the four, averaging 7.5 points and seven rebounds a game in 2017-18. Her junior season was highlighted by a selection to the Australian Sapphires World Championship squad.
“ “Hannah is another quality big and continues to add to our size and versatility. She gives us the ability to shoot the ball from various positions while at the same time remains a very capable paint presence.””
Position: Guard Hometown: Melbourne, Australia High School: Caulfield Grammar
The other half of the Australian duo, Lopes comes to Clemson from Melbourne, where she’s a senior at Caulfield Grammar School. In her time at Caulfield, Lopes has helped her team to a 27-3 overall record, averaging 18.0 points per game.
The guard has been a part of the Victorian State team for the past couple years, most recently contributing to a bronze medal finish at the U18 Australian Championships.
““We are losing three senior point guards so someone with Isis’ strength, potential and size really gives us a complete look at that position.””
Position: Guard Hometown: Swansea, S.C. High School: Swansea
A five-star recruit out of Swansea, S.C., McNeal is a 6-foot guard who plays with a championship-mindset and will provide an explosive attack for the Tigers. Ranked 47th in the Class of 2019, according to ESPN HoopGurlz, the local product brings size to the Clemson backcourt as a lethal shooting threat, as well.
A double-double player, McNeal averaged 24.2 points and 11.0 rebounds an outing as a junior, earning her South Carolina Player of the Year recognition by USA Today. Not just an offensive threat, McNeal posted 3.0 steals and 3.7 blocks per game, en route to a lower state championship appearance.
““Danae is a very well-rounded player that gives us length, shooting, scoring and championship level experience. She is a South Carolinian and we have always said that we want to guard our yard.””
Position: Forward Hometown: Douglasville, Ga. High School: Douglas County
The 18th ranked player in her position according to ESPN, Robinson averaged a double-double her junior season, pouring in 24.4 points per game and hauling in 10.8 rebounds. The Georgia product helped her team to a Final Four appearance in the 6A State Tournament a season ago.
A versatile perimeter player, Robinson is a dual threat with the ability to not only sinks shots from beyond the arc but also finish at the rim. Following her stellar junior season, she earned AJC First-Team All-State honors.
““Amari gives us size and is a player that can guard multiple position. She can not only shoot the three, but also score the ball and is used to playing at a high-level.””
Position: Guard Hometown: Dawsonville, Ga. High School: Dawson County
A 5-11 guard, Sticker provides versatility at the wing position for the Tigers. The Georgia native notched 17.6 points per game her junior season, shooting 40 percent from the field. On the defensive side of the ball, Sticker averaged 6.0 rebounds per outing in 2017-18.
Following her junior year performance, Sticker was awarded All-State honorable mention accolades and was tabbed to GACA North-South Junior All-Star game.
““Kaylee is an elite worker who really understands where she wants to be and what it takes to get there. She gives us a lot of size, shooting and versatility.””
