GLEASON, Tenn. – Coach Chris Nelson has experienced remarkable success signing local standouts throughout his tenure as head coach of the Bethel’s women’s basketball program. He added to that legacy with the signing of Gleason High School standout Alayna Anderson.
Alayna is the daughter of Kent and Kelli Anderson of Dresden, Tennessee and is undecided on her major.
Anderson was a Class A Miss Basketball Finalist who helped lead the Lady Bulldogs to a state runner-up finish. She averaged seventeen points per game and shot 48 percent from the field.
Alayna finished her Gleason High School career with over 1,300 career points. She played in the 2022 BCAT All-Star game. Anderson has also played with successful travel teams such as the Tennessee Blazers and the Lady Rip Tide.
Off the court Anderson excelled in the classroom with a 3.87 GPA. She is a member of the Beta Club and has been in the top ten of her class each year at GHS.
Coach Nelson expressed his excitement about the signing. “We are pleased and excited Alayna has decided to continue her career as a student-athlete with our program. We take immense pride in signing local talents and especially so with Alayna being a Miss Basketball Finalist. She has played in a winning program and comes in well coached by Coach Sean Stephenson. She has a wealth of knowledge and a high basketball IQ. These things along with her will to win will allow her to be successful at our level.”