University of Memphis women's basketball Head Coach JoyeLee-McNelis announced today that the team will be without itshigh-profile signee for the 2003-2004 season.
Freshman guard Ashley Shields has been ruled ineligible toplay.
"Due to the initial eligibility guidelines set forth by theNCAA, Ashley has been ruled ineligible for this coming year," saidMcNelis. "It is unfortunate, but in life we face challenges, and Ithink Ashley will, meet this challenge head-on."
While at Melrose High School in Memphis, Shields averaged 35points, 9.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 4.0 steals per game and wasnamed the Best of Preps female athlete in basketball for her juniorand senior campaigns.
It was believed that the signing of shields at Memphis wouldlead to a resurgence in a Lady Tigers basketball program that hasseen rough times as of late.
