E.A. Sports Today

All-Area team?

Anniston’s Perry signs with Southern Union, makes it five girls from area to continue basketball careers with Lady Bison.

Cover photo: With family and Southern Union coach Earl Taylor (center right) looking on, Anniston’s A’Kayla Perry signs with the Lady Bison on Friday. (Photo by Joe Medley)

By Joe Medley
East Alabama Sports Today

ANNISTON — Southern Union women’s basketball will soon take on a very familiar look.

Anniston’s A’Kayla Perry became the latest area product to sign with the Bison on Friday, and the starting lineup could soon look like an all-area team.

Perry will join Cleburne County’s Faith Brown, who signed with Southern Union on Monday, plus Talladega’s Trinity Webb and the Handley duo of Takeriauna Mosley and Takeira Tucker.

Anniston, Talladega and Handley share the same AHSAA Class 4A Area, along with Munford. 

“I feel like playing with them will be great,” Perry said. “They’re all great players. Us bringing all of our talents together, I think that will be good.”

Perry’s 3-point shooting helped Anniston reach the Class 4A Final Four during her senior season. She averaged 11.5 points and 3.5 rebounds.

She was an Alabama Sports Writers Association all-state pick and East Alabama Sports Today Class 4A-6A All-Calhoun County selection. She was also Northeast Regional most valuable player.

“When I saw her, I saw a young lady with a lot of athletic skill that wasn’t afraid of anything,” Southern Union coach Earl Taylor said. “Coming into a new environment, she didn’t know anyone on the college floor, but she played aggressive. That’s what I like, an aggressive person.

“Real respectful. Yes sir, no sir. Made eye contact when we talked, and that’s what I’m looking for to be part of Southern Union women’s basketball.”

Perry is Anniston’s valedictorian and had several options for academic money.

“I knew I still wanted to play basketball,” Perry said, “so Southern Union was my school.”

Anniston’s A’Kayla Perry reads her statement Friday before signing to play basketball for Southern Union Community College. (Photo by Joe Medley)
Anniston’s A’Kayla Perry, center left, poses with family and Southern Union Community College coach Earl Taylor during Friday’s signing ceremony at Anniston High School. (Photo by Joe Medley)

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