Nov. 12, 2009

ATHENS, Ohio - Ohio women's basketball has announced the signing of two student-athletes to National Letters of Intent during the early signing period. Erin Bailes (Huntington, W.Va.) and Shavon Robinson (Canton, Ohio) will both join the Bobcats beginning in 2010-11.

"We are ecstatic to have these two talented ladies join the program," Ohio coach Semeka Randall said. "This is another very successful recruiting class that will blend well with what we have. They will give us instant offense and a strong defensive presence that will make this program exciting to watch. Both Erin (Bailes) and Shavon (Robinson) are individuals with high character that will add much to this program both on and off the court."

A 6-0 guard out of Huntington High School, Bailes is a fundamentally sound player with a smooth shooting touch that will deepen the Green and White's scoring contingent and compliment the `Cats' offense nicely with her ability to extend a defense. A Class AAA First Team All-State selection this past season, Bailes averaged 11.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and five assists per game as a junior while leading Huntington HS to the finals of the Class AAA West Viriginia State Championship. In addition to being named to the state championship all-tournament team this past year, she was named Second Team All-State and won both the Mountain State Athletic Conference free throw and 3-point shooting competitions as a sophomore. She plays AAU basketball for the WV Thunder.

"Erin is a bigger guard that can play multiple positions," Randall said. "She has the ability to stretch defenses with her long-range shooting. Not only does she have great outside touch, but she can also contribute with her mid-range game. Her fundamental play, strong work ethic and high basketball IQ will fit very well with our system."

Quick and athletic, Robinson is a tough, playmaking guard with a pension for getting to the hoop. Her tough style of play and athleticism should mesh well with Randall's up-pace style and Ohio's stable of young guards. A standout from Canton, Ohio, the 5-8 guard averaged 15.9 pts., 4.7 rebs., 4.0 stls. and 3.6 assists for Canton South HS while garnering her share of accolades this last year. In addition to being named to the Division II All-Ohio First Team this past season, Robinson was named both the Northeastern Buckeye Conference (NBC) and Northeast Inland District Player of the Year in 2009. She was also named the Canton Repository's Stark County Player of the Year this year after leading Canton South to its first NBC championship. An All-NBC First Team selection as a junior, Robinson was named Honorable Mention Division II All-Ohio as a sophomore. She plays AAU basketball for SMAC Elite.

"Shavon has special talent," Randall said. "She is a bigger guard that is very athletic who can excel both in the open court and in the half court. She has the ability to finish in traffic and make spectacular plays. Shavon has the ability to guard multiple positions, and her style of play will also fit well with the players we already have in the program."

The `Cats tip off the 2009-10 season at Cleveland State Nov. 13, before welcoming Navy for their home opener Nov. 16.