STARKVILLE — Coach Vic Schaefer welcomed in a new era in Mississippi State women’s basketball history with the signing of two top-100 prospects in the Class of 2020 on Wednesday.
Guard Madison Hayes and forward DeYona Gaston both inked their pledges to the Bulldogs as part of the early signing period in women’s college basketball.
“I am so excited about the two young ladies we have added to our program and their families,” Schaefer said. “I am excited about their quality and character as well as their skill set.”
“You talk about two kids that are competitive — both of those young ladies just jump at me and jump at you when you watch them play,” he continued.
Hayes — a five-star prospect and the No. 29 ranked player in the ESPN HoopGurlz top 100 — averaged 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds and four steals per game last season at East Hamilton High School in Ooltewah, Tennessee. She was also a member of the gold medal-winning USA squad at the U18 3×3 World Cup this past summer alongside current MSU freshman forward Rickea Jackson.
As for Gaston, she comes into the program as a four-star prospect and the No. 95 ranked player in the ESPN HoopGurlz top 100 out of Pearland, Texas. The 6-foot-2-inch forward was originally ranked as one of the top players in the 2020 class after averaging 17.5 points and 11.3 rebounds and three blocks per game as a freshman, but she missed her entire sophomore year due to injuries.
With one scholarship remaining, Schaefer said Wednesday it’s possible another addition could be made to the class, though he wouldn’t take just anyone and could use it for future recruits.
Ben Portnoy reports on Mississippi State sports for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter at @bportnoy15.
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