APSU Sports Information: APSU Basketball
Clarksville, TN – Needing to find a replacement for senior forward/center Jasmine Rayner, Austin Peay State University women’s basketball coach Carrie Daniels has opened the 2011 early signing period by adding Aspriona Gilbert, of Myrtle, MS, who signed a national letter of intent, Wednesday.
Gilbert, a 6-0 center, averaged 22.8 points and 11.9 rebounds per game last season as a junior at Myrtle High School, leading her team to the Class 1A state championship game, where they finished as the runner-up.
She scored 37 points and grabbed 17 rebounds in the championship game, making an impressive 15-of-18 field goals. Gilbert finished the season averaging 22.8 points and 11.9 rebounds per game while shooting 66 percent from the field. She was ranked 11th among all Mississippi players in scoring and 15th in rebounding.
“We are very excited to be adding Aspriona to our family,” said Daniels. “She is a tremendous talent and a true post player with uncanny abilities underneath. Aspriona has great hands and touch around the basket and has great strength. She is an all-round team player who we believe will come in and make an impact with our team.”
Gilbert was named to the North team at the Mississippi Association of Coaches Junior All-Star Game. She scored 14 points, grabbed seven rebounds and handed out three assists to lead the North team to the win.
She enters her senior campaign as one of Mississippi’s top 12 women’s basketball players – being named to the Clarion Ledger’s Dandy Dozen list. She also was ranked No. 6 in the FILA Mississippi Class of 2012.
As a sophomore, Gilbert missed season’s first six games due to an injury, but still led team in scoring (21.3 ppg), rebounding (9.5 rpg) and blocks (3.4 bpg).
In addition to playing basketball, Gilbert won the 2011 1A state title in shot put with mark of 35-11, a mark 10 inches better than the runner-up. She also was the 1A state runner-up in the discus with a throw of 105-9.25. Gilbert also played on the Lady Hawks slow-pitch softball team, which advanced to the state semifinals this fall.
2012-13 Austin Peay Women’s Basketball Incoming Class
Aspriona Gilbert, 6-0, Center, Myrtle, MS. (Myrtle HS)
