RICHMOND, Ky. - Eastern Kentucky University head women's basketball coach Larry Joe Inman has announced the signing of 6-2 forward-center Amanda Boles.

Currently a senior at Pickett County High School in Byrdstown, TN, Boles averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Lady Bobcats last season. Those efforts earned her All-State and first-team Tri-Lakes honors. She was also named the 1998 Upper Cumberland Player-of-the-Year.

Boles earned Tri-Lakes Conference Freshman-of-the-Year honors during her first season at Pickett County.

"Amanda comes from a great program," said Inman. "She has extremely quick feet, great hands and is very versatile. We feel that it is a feather in Eastern's hat to get a player of Amanda's stature and ability to commit to our program early. We expect Amanda to play the four spot and contribute early. There is no doubt, with her ability, work ethic and high school preparation, she will be ready."

A four-year starter for coach Barry Smith at PCHS, Boles has led the Lady Bobcats in rebounding for the past three seasons and has led the team in scoring over the past two seasons.

Coach Smith is pleased with the prospect of Boles continuing her basketball career at Eastern, but will be hard-pressed to replace her at PCHS.

"Amanda is extremely athletic." said coach Smith. "She has improved each year and will continue to do so at the next level. As bad as we hate to lose Amanda to graduation, we are very excited that one of our athletes will start her career with a great program such as Eastern.

"Amanda is a good student in the classroom and is looking forward to the challenge of competing at the next level."

Boles competed in the National AAU Tournament in Indianapolis, IN, this summer.