RICHMOND, Ky. - Eastern Kentucky University women's basketball coach Larry Joe Inman has announced the signing of point guard Tekielia Oden of Anniston (AL) High School to a national letter-of-intent.

Oden, who stands 5-5, averaged 23.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, 6.1 steals and 9.4 assists last season for Anniston High. She was a second team All-State choice and was also selected by the Anniston Crusader as the Athlete of the Year for 1998-99.

An All-County selection this past season, she also was named Most Valuable Player and Best Offensive Player of last season's Calhoun County Tournament.

"Tekielia is a very quick point guard with tremendous ball-handling skills," said EKU assistant coach Sheila Simmons. "She will be an asset at the point because of her scoring ability and her excellent defensive skills.

"She is an excellent long-range shooter and scored well over 600 points just this season alone. Tekielia has the personality that will make her a good leader on and off the court."

Chosen Player of the Year by the Anniston Star this past season, Oden was also picked as a member of the Fabulous Five of Calhoun County for 1998-99.

A 3.0-plus student at Anniston High, Oden was also a first-team member of the All-Regional Team and the All-Area Team this past year.