GREENVILLE, N.C. — East Carolina University head women's basketball coach Sharon Baldwin-Tener announced today that Cherie Mills (Ayden, N.C.) has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball for the Pirates during the 2005-06 season.

The 6-4 center averaged 18.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, shot 56 percent from the floor and 76 percent from the line as a freshman at Louisburg Junior College. She also earned second-team NJCAA All-America honors as well as being named the Region X Player of the Year, Region X Tournament and Team MVP accolades.

At Ayden Grifton High School, Mills averaged 27.6 points, 14.7 boards and 7.4 blocks on her way to being named the 2003 Daily Reflector Player of the Year. With her 1,278 rebounds, she holds the Chargers school record and was 10 boards shy of breaking the state record. Mills also holds the school records in points and blocked shots for a career.

As a senior, she was rated as the top senior in North Carolina by Hoops & Dreams Scouting and in her junior season, she garnered All-America honors from Street and Smith.

"We are excited to have Cherie joining us next season," said Baldwin-Tener. "She had a great freshman year at Louisburg and we look forward to her career as a Pirate. She is a great local product that should give us immediate help on the inside."

The signing of Mills brings the total number of 2005-06 signees to three. Last week, ECU announced the signing of Erica Gilley (Lexington, N.C.) and Jessica Slack (Thornville, Ohio).

2005-06 East Carolina Women's Basketball Signees

Name -- Pos. -- Ht. -- Yr. -- Hometown
Erica Gilley Guard/ Forward 5-11 Fr. Lexington, N.C.
Cherie Mills Center 6-4 Jr. Ayden, N.C.
Jessica Slack Guard 5-11 Fr. Thornville, Ohio