University of Georgia Athletics
Georgia Lady Bulldogs Ink Merritt Hempe
November 14, 2011 | Women's Basketball
Nov. 14, 2011
ATHENS, Ga. --- Merritt Hempe, a 6-3, forward from Stafford High School in Fredericksburg, Va., has signed a letter-of-intent to attend the University of Georgia on a basketball scholarship, Andy Landers announced on Monday.
"It's rare when you find a player with Merritt's size who also possesses a skill set that allows her to playing facing the basket as well as with her back to the basket," Landers said. "She's extremely versatile at 6-3 and very well developed on the offensive end. We're very excited about her future at Georgia."
Hempe (pronounced Hemp-ee) was an honorable mention All-State selection for Class AAA a year ago after averaging a double-double of 20.1 points and 10.8 points per game while helping Stafford to a 17-7 finish. She was named first-team All-Area by the Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star, as well as honorable mention All-Met by the Washington Post.
As a sophomore, Hempe averaged 12.6 point per game.
"Merritt has a tremendous skill set for her size," Stafford coach Carl Harris said. "She can play inside or outside, she handles the ball well, she can get her own shot off relatively easy and she can also play with her back to the basket low. Merritt's very dynamic offensively, and she's developing her leadership skills. This will be my second season at Stafford and her second season as our captain. The effort and attitude Merritt plays with is always very good."
Hempe is Georgia's fourth prospect this fall. Last Wednesday, the Lady Bulldogs announced the signing of Shacobia Barbee, a 5-11, guard/forward from Riverdale High School in Murfreesboro, Tenn., and Marjorie Buter, a 5-7, guard from the Webb School in Knoxville, Tenn. Barbee and Butler are the reigning Miss Tennessee Basketball winners for Class AAA and Division I Class A, respectively. On Friday, Georgia signed Kaelyn Causwell, a 6-4, forward from the Wesleyan School in Norcross, Ga., who helped the Lady Wolves to their third straight Georgia Class A state title as a junior.
