Johnson Inks Three in Early Signing Period

HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Coker College head women's basketball coach Shannon Johnson has announced the signing of Haliyah Sumter, Saquita Joyner, and Raya Coley to the 2018-19 roster. 

Sumter is a guard from Columbia, S.C. where she attends Dreher High School. On the court, she is an All-State and All-Region selection, a Junior Showcase MVP, and a Coaches Award recipient. In the classroom, she is a member of the Honor Roll. In addition, Sumter is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). She is the daughter of Habiba and Harold Sumter. 

"Haliyah is a very enthusiastic player that will make an impact on both ends of the court," stated Johnson. "She can defend and knock down the three-pointer on the other end. She has an excellent work ethic and has the will to win. We are excited to keep Haliyah in the state of South Carolina where she will have a positive impact in the community." 

Joyner is a forward from Hartsville, S.C. where she attends Hartsville High School and is a member of the basketball and softball teams for the Red Foxes. On the court, Joyner was named All-Pee Dee, All-Region, and All-State. Additionally, Joyner was selected to the Hoop Zone Juniors Showcase. Off the court, Joyner is a member of the A/B Honor Roll and Anchor Club. She is the daughter of Steve Joyner Sr. and Shu-Jen Oliver and plans to major in Biology. 

"We could not let this talented player get out of the city limits," stated Johnson. "We have watched Saquita for three years now and she's grown into a great player. She is a dynamic player both offensively and defensively. Saquita will bring an immediate sense of leadership within her community. We are very happy to sign her here at Coker so all of her fans can continue to see her play." 

Coley is a guard from Raleigh, N.C. where she attends Millbrook High School. As a member of the Wildcats basketball team, Coley was a three-time Academic All-Conference selection, a Coastal Scholar-Athlete of the month, a member of the 2016 4A NCHSAA State Championship team, and a four-year varsity letterman. In the classroom, Coley made the Honor Roll all four years and finished in the top 10% of her graduating class. In addition, Coley participated in a variety of clubs and organizations such as the Student Body President on the Millbrook Executive Board, National Honors Society, French Honors Society, Math Honors Society, English Honors Society, and the National Achievers Society Service Club. She is the daughter of Krishnee and Charles Coley and plans to major in Exercise Science. Janea Williams, a current member of the Coker women's basketball team, is her cousin. 

"We are very excited about signing a player that can score from anywhere on the court," said Johnson. Raya is a go-getter and will be a big influence to our success. She is very aggressive offensively and has the confidence to take the open shot. This North Carolina product comes from a winning program and will bring those habits here to Coker. With her relentless pursuit of perfection, she brings a level of play that will make an immediate impact here. Raya is an exceptional student-athlete who will make a positive impact here in the Hartsville community." 

The Coker College women's basketball team will compete against Lenoir-Rhyne on Wednesday (Nov. 29) in the DeLoach Center at Dan Schmotzer Court in their conference opener. Opening tip is set for 6 p.m.