Lloyd signs to play for TSU Tigers

By By Tony Krausz / assistant sports editor
Nov. 19, 2003
COLLINSVILLE Shannon Lloyd took the guess work out of her academic and basketball future Tuesday afternoon.
The West Lauderdale center signed to play for the Tennessee State University Lady Tigers in the school's library with her parents and coach watching on., She is believed to be the first Lady Knights athlete to ink with a Division I program out of high school.
The 6-foot-2 center has averaged 13.7 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks over West Lauderdale's first six games this season, as the team has produced a 4-2 mark.
Lloyd tallied 10 points, 10 rebounds and two blocked shots per game last year for the Lady Knights, and she has been part of two state runner-up squads over the last two seasons.
Lloyd was flanked by her father, Curtis, who is a minister, and her mother, Sharon, as she signed to play for TSU.
Curtis said it was great to see is daughter have the opportunity to continue her education, while doing something she loves.
Lloyd said the appeal of going to Nashville, Tenn., to play collegiate basketball came from the Tigers coach and current players.
Sharon Allen, who was the recruiting coordinator for the past five season for Sharon Fanning's Mississippi State University Lady Bulldogs, was officially named the head coach of the TSU women's program on July 9.
Though their daughter will be moving 335 miles away from home, Lloyd's parents said they are happy with her decision to play for the Lady Tigers.
But before Lloyd packs up for TSU, she has some unfinished business left on the court at West Lauderdale.
The Lady Knights have posted a 64-9 record over the last two years, with Lloyd in the line up, but the team has not captured the allusive state title.