3 guards to play at UMaine Recruits feature speed, quickness

ORONO – Coach Sharon Versyp has spent the last four years trying to recruit players who can run, press full-court and play man-to-man defense at the University of Maine.

Preparing for that high-intensity style helps explain why there are three guards on this year’s list of recruits.

Ameshia Bryant of Miami, Fla., Margaret Elderton of Havertown, Pa., and Vandy Pullen of Arlington, Va., signed National Letters of Intent on Wednesday, committing themselves to attend UMaine beginning next fall.

Wednesday was the first day of the NLI early signing period, which runs through Nov. 19.

This recruiting class will step in after the departure of three seniors: power forward Heather Ernest of Temple, small forward Julie Veilleux of Augusta and shooting guard Melissa Heon.

“These three are kids who know how to full-court press, they all know how to play defense already and they’re very athletic,” Versyp said. “We’re very excited about all of them.”

Bryant stands 5-foot-9 and likely will fill a role as a swing player (guard/forward). She averaged 16.4 points and 10.2 rebounds last season at Goleman High School.

Bryant was named one of the top 50 high school players in Florida and is a preseason all-county pick this season.

“She brings a totally different style to our program with her speed, quickness and jumping ability, along with great leadership qualities,” Versyp said.

“… She will look to go one-on-one, post up and be an effective rebounder,” added Versyp, who is impressed with Bryant’s defensive intensity, heart and desire.

Elderton, a 5-6 point guard, claimed Delaware County Player of the Year recognition last season while leading Haverford High to a 23-6 record and a spot in the state tournament. She averaged 14 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 2 steals and will be a team captain this winter.

“She is a point guard with tremendous leadership skills,” Versyp said of Elderton, who became the first Haverford player to reach 1,000 career points as a junior.

“Margaret has a scoring mentality, slashing and driving, and yet knowing when to shoot the 3-[pointer] or when to settle into an offense,” said Versyp, who said Elderton’s passing and playmaking are her best attributes.

Pullen is another player capable of playing guard or forward. At 5-10, she was a three-time, first-team all-district and all-county honoree at Washington-Lee High.

Pullen has scored nearly 900 points, a school record, and more than 400 rebounds and has been an all-district defensive standout.

“She is a great defensive player who works hard and plays with intensity on every possession,” Versyp said.

“Vandy has the ability to slash and drive, shoot the 3, and go one-on-one, making her a natural “3” player,” she added. “Her rebounding abilities are going to be a key to her role on our team.”

Versyp hopes the fact UMaine has added players from Florida, Pennsylvania and Virginia is an indication of its attractiveness on a national level.

“It’s really showing that we can recruit kids from all over,” said Versyp, who last year signed two Mainers and a player from Minnesota.

She wanted to make doubly sure Floridian Bryant was prepared to spend four years in the Northeast.

“She had to convince me that she wanted to go away,” Versyp said.