Cincinnati's Merrill Earns All-American Honors

CINCINNATI, Ohio -- University of Cincinnati sophomore Debbie Merrill has been named honorable mention All-America by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association and the Eastman Kodak Co.

Merrill, the Bearcats' 6-3 center from Cumberland City, Tenn., averaged 18.0 points and 8.5 rebounds while leading UC to a 23-8 record and a sixth straight postseason tournament appearance. The co-captain was a first team All-Conference USA selection, was named to the C-USA all-tournament team and twice earned league player of the week honors.

Merrill was a Freshman All-America selection by Women's Basketball News and earned C-USA Freshman of the Year honors in 2001-02.

Merrill was one of six players from Region 4 to earn honorable mention All-America honors. The others are Ball State senior Tamara Bowie, Miami University senior Heather Cusick, Houston junior Chandi Jones, Western Michigan junior Kristin Koetsier and Tulane senior Teana McKiver.