Stricklen commits to Lady Vols

The Tennessee Lady Vols freshman class for 2008 has grown by one. And its a big one.

Shekinna Stricklen, a 6-foot-2 forward from Morrilton, Ark., has committed to the Lady Vols. The third-team Parade All-American made her decision Sunday afternoon after the completion of Tennessees elite camp.

Ive been thinking about it for a couple of months, Stricklen said. I couldnt figure out when to do it. For a couple months Ive wanted to (commit) but still had other thoughts in my head.

I dont feel any pressure now. I feel good. I feel relief. Im happy. My family is happy.

UT has been considered a frontrunner for the athletic Stricklen but Baylor, Georgia LSU and Arkansas remained in contention.

The last month Ive really been stressing out about it, she said. Ive been getting called more. Its hard.

The state of Arkansas Gatorade player of the year in 2006, Stricklen led Morrilton High to the Class AAAA state championship that year with 30 points, 16 rebounds, four assists and four blocks in the title game. The Lady Devil Dogs were beaten in the championship game in March, but Stricklen had 30 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks.

Stricklen took part in USA Basketballs Womens Youth Development Festival in Colorado Springs, Colo., last weekend. In five games, she was fifth among all players in scoring, averaging 11.4 points per game. She averaged 7.4 rebounds and led all players with an average of four offensive boards per game.

Fellow 08 UT commitments Alicia Manning and Amber Gray also were at the festival. Despite playing on different teams, the three players got to know each other.

It just happened, Stricklen said. We got real cool (with each other).

Stricklen, who said that she will return to Knoxville next month to take part in the Junior Olympics, is the fourth player to join UTs recruiting class. Along with Stricklen, Manning and Gray, point guard Briana Bass from Indianapolis also has committed to sign with Tennessee in November.

The Lady Vols remain in the hunt for two other marquee prospects: Webb School star Glory Johnson and Elena Delle Donne, a 6-5 Parade first-team All-American from Wilmington, Del.

Johnson, who also took part in the festival last weekend in Colorado, couldnt attend Tennessees elite camp because of AAU commitments.

Tennessee could sign as many as seven players in the 08 class.