BIRMINGHAM – UAB women’s basketball head coach Randy Norton has announced the signings of Ashton Elley and Desiree Ware to National Letters of Intent.
“We are very excited about our 2022 class,” said Norton. “Both Ashton and Desiree are of the highest character and will help our program continue to compete and win championships on the court and in the classroom. They will be great ambassadors for our program, UAB and the City of Birmingham.”
A 5-10 shooting guard from Little Rock, Ark., Elley comes to the Magic City from Little Rock Christian Academy (head coach Ronald Rogers). During her junior season, Elley led the Warriors to a 24-2 record, the 5A Central Conference Championship and a berth in the Arkansas state playoffs.
Elley was named to the 5A All-State and 5A Central All-Conference teams after finishing the year averaging 15 points per game and five rebounds per game. For her career, Elley has led the Warriors to a 76-10 overall record with a 36-4 conference mark.
Additionally, Elley played AAU for Arkansas Select (head coach Caleb Livingston).
Elley chose UAB over Tulsa, WKU, VCU, LA Tech and Navy.
Norton on Elley
“Ashton is a big guard with a very high basketball IQ and has the versatility to play all three perimeter positions on the floor. She is the ultimate team player always looking for the open player with amazing court vision. She is a tremendous 3-point shooter and can fill it up in a hurry. On the defensive end, she can guard all perimeter positions, anticipates extremely well and is a lock down defender.”
Ware is a 5-8 guard who played at Minnetonka High School (head coach Leah Dasovich) in Brooklyn Park, Minn. She led the Skippers to a 15-5 record and a berth in the 4A Section 2 Championship game for the first time since 2018.
After averaging 13.5 points, six rebounds, five assists and four steals per game, Ware was an All-Conference selection, her third for her career, and named a candidate for Minnesota All-State and McDonalds All-American. In three seasons at Minnetonka, she has already eclipsed the 1,000 point mark.
She played AAU ball for FBC Real, where her father Robert was the head coach. Ware was also named to the Class of 2022 AAU All-Star Team this past August.
A two-sport star, Ware is an All-State performer in track.
Ware chose UAB over Nebraska, Florida Atlantic, Milwaukee, Lafayette and Idaho State.
Norton on Ware
“Desiree is a gritty, hard-nosed, high IQ combo guard that has the ability play the 1 or 2. She is one of the premiere guards in her class because of her elite athleticism, speed and quickness. Her skillset allows her to get in the paint and attack the rim or create for her teammates. She also has the ability to knock down open 3’s with deep range. She is tenacious on defense and can really pressure the ball end line to end line.”
GOLD CARD
Women’s Basketball season tickets are on sale by purchasing the 2021-22 Gold Card for $65 here. The 2021-22 Gold Card will get you access to all home events for Women’s Soccer, Men’s Soccer, Volleyball, Women’s Basketball, Softball, and Baseball (Regions Field & Young Memorial). This card is not valid for Conference USA or NCAA Championship events.
INDIVIDUAL TICKETS
Tickets for individual games can be purchased here. Tickets are $5 for adults or $3 for those 18 or younger.
UAB BASKETBALL AT BARTOW ARENA
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