CHARLESTON, Ill. – Panther head coach Brady Sallee has announced the addition of Alece Shumpert to the Eastern Illinois women's basketball team during the NCAA's early national letter of intent period. Shumpert will join EIU for the 2012-13 season.
 
Shumpert hails from Belleville, Ill., where she attends Althoff Catholic HS, the same school that current Panther Jordyne Crunk attended.  
 
The 5'9” guard earned South Seven Conference First Team honors during her junior campaign, averaging 11.2 points per game. Off the court, she has been named to the honor roll in each of the last two years. Shumpert was also a member of the St. Louis Adidas AAU team.
 
“Alece is someone I first saw as a freshman when I was recruiting Jordyne Crunk and we have recruited her ever since,” said Sallee. “She personifies what you want in a student-athlete. She is extremely driven and is a high-character young lady.
 
“Her athleticism and strength are the first things that jump out at you when you see Alece play, but when you really watch her you see a skilled lefty that can really shoot it and has a huge upside to her game. She began her career as a post player and has worked on her game to the point where now she is a big-time perimeter threat. We are excited to welcome Alece to our Panther family!”
 
The Panthers return to action when they play host to Illinois State on Monday, Nov. 21 at noon.