Rebuilding a roster decimated by the transfer portal is the first task for new University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff women’s basketball coach Erica Leak, and she targeted the Memphis area for her first three signees.
The former West Memphis High School coach’s first signee was one of her high school players, guard Janiyah Tucker. She then added two junior college transfers from Walters State College in Memphis, forwards Kristyna Boyd and Briontanay Marshall.
Tucker played for Leak at WMHS through 2023. She played in the Arkansas High School Coaches Association All-Star Game in 2023 following a state semifinalist season.
The Lady Devils went 26-4 in her senior season, losing to eventual state champion Greenwood in the semifinals in Pine Bluff. Tucker led West Memphis with 18 points in a first-round win against Mountain Home and 16 points in a second-round win against Sheridan.
Boyd, a Memphis native, and Marshall, from Louisville, Kentucky, were teammates at WSC. Boyd averaged 13 points and 8 rebounds per game last season, while Marshall averaged 6.3 points and 6.8 rebounds.
Boyd’s scoring high was 20 points, which she accomplished three times. Marshall’s was a 15-point performance at Cleveland State Community College.
Marshall played for WSC each of the past two seasons, while Boyd played her freshman season at Chattanooga State Community College.