In 2007-08 Lauren Kelshaw led the Lady Eagles with 16.3 points per game. This season she will look to help lead a talented team to a strong season.

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The Lock Haven University women’s basketball team and head coach Jennifer Smith have announced their 2008 recruiting class with four players making their way to The Haven.

With the addition of these four talented players to the experience returning, the 2008-09 campaign should be a strong one on the hardwood for Smith and her Lady Eagles.

The four player class includes three freshmen and one junior-college transfer.

The trio of true-freshmen are all Philadelphia products and include Tyeshia Carroll (Philadelphia/John Bartram), Peaches Nesmith (Philadelphia/Northeast) and Sharray Hall (Philadelphia/George Washing High School of Engineering and Sciences).

After playing two seasons of junior college ball at the University of Arkansas Fort Smtih, Candice Nelson (Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago/University of Arkansas at Fort Smith), will wear the crimson and white looking to make an immediate impact after strong two-year career at the JUCO level.

Nelson, a native of Trinidad and Tobago was named top shooter at the 2004 World Youth Netball Championships. At 6 feet 4 inches she’ll bring a strong presence to the forward spot, which will be a huge benefit for the Lady Eagles.

Last season at Arkansas Fort Smith, Nelson played in 33 of 36 games for a team that finished third in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Tournament. In two seasons with the strong junior college program she averaged 3.9 points per game and 4.1 rebounds. In 2007-08 she shot 43.2 percent from the field and had 25 steals.

"Candice brings with her two years of college playing experience at one of the top junior college programs in the nation,” Smith said. “She will be an immediate impact with her size and skill level. She can play in the post and also knock down outside shots.”

Carroll was a four-year starter at John Bartram in Philly and led her team in scoring for three straight seasons. A two-year captain she had a tremendous season in 2008, averaging 20 points per game and ranked sixth in scoring in all of Philadelphia.

Her strong play during her senior campaign helped lead her team to the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) state playoffs for the first time in school history. Carroll, who is 5-feet-5-inches, will play guard at LHU.

"Tyeshia will add depth at the point guard position,” Smith said. “She is extremely quick and can always find a way to put the ball in the basket."

Nesmith was a four year starter and three year team captain at Northeast. Throughout her career, the decorated player earned numerous honors, but in her senior year she really cleaned house.

She was named First Team All-Philadelphia Public League, News Gleaner/Rotary Club Public League Player of the Year, Hatboro Horsham Tournament MVP, team MVP and was also named to the All-City Team. She also competed in track and field.

At 5 feet 9 inches, she will play both guard and forward adding athleticism to both positions.

"I am thrilled to have Peaches Nesmith join our team,” Smith said. “She was highly recruited, is a tireless worker, is passionate about being the best and loves challenges, which is a great combination for our program."

Hall was a two-year starter for her high school team was twice named Philadelphia All-Public League. As a senior she helped lead her George Washing High School of Engineering and Sciences team to a Philadelphia Public League Championship after finishing as the runner up in each of her first three seasons.

At 5 feet 10 inches Hall could see time at guard or forward, giving coach Smith some versatility to work with.

"Sharray will bring us athleticism with the ability to shut down our opponent’s top offensive threat at any position,” Smith said. “She loves to play defense and works hard every day to get better."

The Lady Eagles first game of the 2008-09 season is set for November 15 against West Chester University as part of the Millersville University Tournament.