Three Sign to Join Davidson W. Basketball Program for 2013-14 Season
11/26/2012 2:12:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Gavin McFarlin - Assistant SID
DAVIDSON, N.C. – Head coach Michele Savage announced today the addition of three incoming Wildcats with the signing of Rachel Piles, Melanie Ransom and Jordan Woods as part of her third recruiting class for the 2013-14 season.
“I'm very happy with the additions of Rachel, Melanie and Jordan as part of this year's signing class,” said Savage, who was named the 2012 SoCon Coach of the Year. “They each bring a variety of skills that will add to our depth and talent that we will be bring back next year, as well as helping to replace a very talented senior class that we have this year. All three are exceptional student-athletes on the court and in the classroom.”
A 6-foot-3 forward from, Allen, Texas, Piles is a three-year varsity letterwinner for Allen High, who is coached by Sean Weibling. She was voted a senior captain for the 2012-13 prep season. As a junior in 2011-12 she led the team in rebounding and blocks, while finishing second in three-point shooting. Piles was also a first-team all-district academic for 8-5A basketball.
During this past summer, Piles led her squad in rebounding at 10.3 per game, while also blocking nearly three shots a contest as part of the North Texas Shockers 2013 National Team. She was a three-sport varsity letterwinner during freshman and sophomore prep seasons in cross country, basketball and track.
“A finesse forward, she does a great job running the floor and has shown versatility on offense,” said Savage. “A long and lanky forward, Rachel will add much needed length and a shot-blocking presence on the floor at the defensive end.”
Piles has also excelled in the classroom, ranking in the top seven percent of her class, as Allen High is the third largest school in Texas with over 4,800 students in ninth-12th grade. She was one of 15 total students at Allen that qualified for the AP Scholar Award based on averaging a 4.0 or higher grade point average on all AP tests taken.
The incoming Wildcat freshman is also the female scholar/athlete chosen from Allen and nominated for the prestigious Davey O'Brien High School Scholarship. Recipients are chosen on the basis character, community service, leadership, scholarship and varsity sports participation. The winner receives a $30,000 scholarship while the four finalists receive $2,500 scholarships each.
Ransom comes to Davidson from Lansing, Ill., where she will play for Marian Catholic her senior prep year. A 5-9 guard, Ransom had a strong junior prep season at Walther Lutheran, coached by Todd Fisher, as she was a Illinois HS Coaches Association CLASS A and AA third-team All-State pick.
“Melanie is a talented guard capable of handling both the point and off guard spots,” said Savage. She has a strong build and drives the lane without shying away from contact. Mel's solid ball-handling and good decision-making skills will be a good fit for our run game.”
At Marian Catholic, Ransom joins a team that has gone 133-22 during the last five years under the guidance of Annie Basic-Byrne. She has also been part of AAU coach Jerald Davis' Chicago Hoops Express team.
The 6-foot-2 Woods will team up with Piles down low on the blocks. She comes from Westampton, N.J., where the forward plays at Rancocas Valley under Anthony Corrada and is part of the AAU team Ring City, coached by Ron Austin.
"Jordan will add depth to our frontcourt,” stated Savage. “She is a solid post presence and also has the ability to face the basket and knock down shots. Her high school team won the State Championship her sophomore year and lost in the sectional finals last year - they are a combined 53-8 and expected to be a state title contender again this season."
Davidson finishes out its six-game road trip to open the 2012-13 season by going to Mercer for a 7 p.m. contest on Wednesday. Last year the 'Cats took a 75-60 decision against the Bears at John M. Belk Arena.
“I'm very happy with the additions of Rachel, Melanie and Jordan as part of this year's signing class,” said Savage, who was named the 2012 SoCon Coach of the Year. “They each bring a variety of skills that will add to our depth and talent that we will be bring back next year, as well as helping to replace a very talented senior class that we have this year. All three are exceptional student-athletes on the court and in the classroom.”
A 6-foot-3 forward from, Allen, Texas, Piles is a three-year varsity letterwinner for Allen High, who is coached by Sean Weibling. She was voted a senior captain for the 2012-13 prep season. As a junior in 2011-12 she led the team in rebounding and blocks, while finishing second in three-point shooting. Piles was also a first-team all-district academic for 8-5A basketball.
During this past summer, Piles led her squad in rebounding at 10.3 per game, while also blocking nearly three shots a contest as part of the North Texas Shockers 2013 National Team. She was a three-sport varsity letterwinner during freshman and sophomore prep seasons in cross country, basketball and track.
“A finesse forward, she does a great job running the floor and has shown versatility on offense,” said Savage. “A long and lanky forward, Rachel will add much needed length and a shot-blocking presence on the floor at the defensive end.”
Piles has also excelled in the classroom, ranking in the top seven percent of her class, as Allen High is the third largest school in Texas with over 4,800 students in ninth-12th grade. She was one of 15 total students at Allen that qualified for the AP Scholar Award based on averaging a 4.0 or higher grade point average on all AP tests taken.
The incoming Wildcat freshman is also the female scholar/athlete chosen from Allen and nominated for the prestigious Davey O'Brien High School Scholarship. Recipients are chosen on the basis character, community service, leadership, scholarship and varsity sports participation. The winner receives a $30,000 scholarship while the four finalists receive $2,500 scholarships each.
Ransom comes to Davidson from Lansing, Ill., where she will play for Marian Catholic her senior prep year. A 5-9 guard, Ransom had a strong junior prep season at Walther Lutheran, coached by Todd Fisher, as she was a Illinois HS Coaches Association CLASS A and AA third-team All-State pick.
“Melanie is a talented guard capable of handling both the point and off guard spots,” said Savage. She has a strong build and drives the lane without shying away from contact. Mel's solid ball-handling and good decision-making skills will be a good fit for our run game.”
At Marian Catholic, Ransom joins a team that has gone 133-22 during the last five years under the guidance of Annie Basic-Byrne. She has also been part of AAU coach Jerald Davis' Chicago Hoops Express team.
The 6-foot-2 Woods will team up with Piles down low on the blocks. She comes from Westampton, N.J., where the forward plays at Rancocas Valley under Anthony Corrada and is part of the AAU team Ring City, coached by Ron Austin.
"Jordan will add depth to our frontcourt,” stated Savage. “She is a solid post presence and also has the ability to face the basket and knock down shots. Her high school team won the State Championship her sophomore year and lost in the sectional finals last year - they are a combined 53-8 and expected to be a state title contender again this season."
Davidson finishes out its six-game road trip to open the 2012-13 season by going to Mercer for a 7 p.m. contest on Wednesday. Last year the 'Cats took a 75-60 decision against the Bears at John M. Belk Arena.
Women's Basketball Preseason Virtual Tip-off (10-21-25)
Wednesday, October 29
The Inside Out Show - Episode 7
Friday, January 31
Women's Basketball vs UMass Highlights
Thursday, January 25
Riana Doctor '26 - 'Cats on Tour Testimonial
Sunday, April 02
