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BB RECRUITING Class of 2025 Board

jakeboldenbrp said:
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Was leaked during the football game yesterday but can confirm Kirston Verhulst verbally commits to the Lady Raiders!

5’8” PG from Bishop Miege in De Soto, KS. Averaged 14.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg, and 1.4 apg her junior season.

That totals 4 signees in the class of ‘25, and should be a full roster not accounting for potential transfers.
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Am I missing something? 4 signees but Middle has 5 seniors.....

I'm never gonna doubt this staff in it's ability to scout & develop, but taking a 2nd pg raises a bunch of questions, not the least of which is what happens at Center when Boldyreva graduates? Unless Mason just makes a big jump, puts some pressure to find a starter in the portal, which is really tough at the 5
 
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MidTennFootball said:
Am I missing something? 4 signees but Middle has 5 seniors.....

I'm never gonna doubt this staff in it's ability to scout & develop, but taking a 2nd pg raises a bunch of questions, not the least of which is what happens at Center when Boldyreva graduates? Unless Mason just makes a big jump, puts some pressure to find a starter in the portal, which is really tough at the 5
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Im not an expert on this, but I believe only 2 will run out of eligibility after this season — Arike and Grannum.
 
jakeboldenbrp said:
Im not an expert on this, but I believe only 2 will run out of eligibility after this season — Arike and Grannum.
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Correction, COVID throws a wrench in my logic.

Since Nas, Jalynn, and CAB started their college careers in ‘21 they revert back to the original rule of 5 years to play 4 season. So you’re correct, all 5 will be out of eligibility after this season.
 
jakeboldenbrp said:
Correction, COVID throws a wrench in my logic.

Since Nas, Jalynn, and CAB started their college careers in ‘21 they revert back to the original rule of 5 years to play 4 season. So you’re correct, all 5 will be out of eligibility after this season.
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You had me questioning my sanity for a moment lol. Was trying to think if they somehow got an exemption......

Assuming MT has 1 more open spot, taking a 2nd PG makes more sense. Not sure how much of a PG she is averaging 1.4 APG though
 
Really wanted a big. 6' 4" or better with Boldyreva leaving. Hoped for Jenna McClendon. Based on coaches play time philosophy we're going to have plenty of guards learning from the bench next year.
 
jakeboldenbrp said:
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Was leaked during the football game yesterday but can confirm Kirston Verhulst verbally commits to the Lady Raiders!

5’8” PG from Bishop Miege in De Soto, KS. Averaged 14.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg, and 1.4 apg her junior season.

That totals 4 signees in the class of ‘25, and should be a full roster not accounting for potential transfers.
Click to expand...
Did a little follow-up on Kirston. Comes from very athletic family. Mother played college basketball at Duke. Older sister Payton (according to a 2022 publication) was a high school All-American & #8 recruit in the country. Originally signed with Louisville before transferring to Oklahoma presently. Even as a freshman in high school Kirston was the 5th ranked statistical 3 point shooter in the state at 40% from long range averaging around 14 ppg.
Even though I really wanted a "big" with Boldyreva moving on it looks like Kirston is the real deal & comes with a great family pedigree.
 
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MTFAN61 said:
Did a little follow-up on Kirston. Comes from very athletic family. Mother played college basketball at Duke. Older sister Payton (according to a 2022 publication) was a high school All-American & #8 recruit in the country. Originally signed with Louisville before transferring to Oklahoma presently. Even as a freshman in high school Kirston was the 5th ranked statistical 3 point shooter in the state at 40% from long range averaging around 14 ppg.
Even though I really wanted a "big" with Boldyreva moving on it looks like Kirston is the real deal & comes with a great family pedigree.
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Also from "Sports in Kansas" report. Additional info on Kirston's high school career.
Freshman year: 14.1 ppg, 42% from 3.
Sophomore year: 17.1 ppg, 43.6% from 3
State quarterfinals victory: 28 points
State final victory: 27 points
Named Kansas 4A Player of the year

Junior year: Kansas 1st team All-State
 
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MTFAN61 said:
Did a little follow-up on Kirston. Comes from very athletic family. Mother played college basketball at Duke. Older sister Payton (according to a 2022 publication) was a high school All-American & #8 recruit in the country. Originally signed with Louisville before transferring to Oklahoma presently. Even as a freshman in high school Kirston was the 5th ranked statistical 3 point shooter in the state at 40% from long range averaging around 14 ppg.
Even though I really wanted a "big" with Boldyreva moving on it looks like Kirston is the real deal & comes with a great family pedigree.
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Yeah shooting is what she’s known for right now. Always good to have those athletic genes too
 
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Practically every one of the current 2025 recruits have been a state player of the year at some time or another during their high school career. This already may have been one of MT's best recruited women's classes ever. Can't wait to see what the icing on the cake will be! Does anyone know when we'll get the update?
 
MTFAN61 said:
Practically every one of the current 2025 recruits have been a state player of the year at some time or another during their high school career. This already may have been one of MT's best recruited women's classes ever. Can't wait to see what the icing on the cake will be! Does anyone know when we'll get the update?
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Either tomorrow or Wednesday is what I here,
 
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TruBluCop said:
This is going to be a "Really,Really " big surprise!!!! Hold on to your hats because this might blow your mind!
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I think this signee may not be one of the ones we’ve had listed here (visit that has been kept under wraps to this point). I might be off base here, but if it’s who I think it might be… would be the biggest signing ever for our program.
 
MTOleBlue said:
I think this signee may not be one of the ones we’ve had listed here (visit that has been kept under wraps to this point). I might be off base here, but if it’s who I think it might be… would be the biggest signing ever for our program.
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Thinking high school grad or transfer portal?
 
jakeboldenbrp said:
Verbal Commits:
  • Nicole Dominguez, 6'9" C from Barcelona, Spain
    • Featured on Spain's U17 FIBA World Cup (Bronze-medal winner), 6.7 ppg, 6 rpg
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Lady Raiders sign Nicole Dominguez from Spain

https://www.fiba.basketball/en/events/fiba-u17-womens-basketball-world-cup-2024/teams/spain/345119-nicole-dominguez The Lady Raiders make a big splash in the 2025 Class with the signing of 6'9" (!?) Center from Spain! Her most recent action could be seen at the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball...
middletennessee.forums.rivals.com middletennessee.forums.rivals.com
 
jakeboldenbrp said:
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Was leaked during the football game yesterday but can confirm Kirston Verhulst verbally commits to the Lady Raiders!

5’8” PG from Bishop Miege in De Soto, KS. Averaged 14.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg, and 1.4 apg her junior season.

That totals 4 signees in the class of ‘25, and should be a full roster not accounting for potential transfers.
Click to expand...
go.screenpal.com

verhulsthighlights

go.screenpal.com go.screenpal.com

Some tape on the PG signee from De Soto, KS. Tape looks a lot like current Freshman Savannah Davis: quick trigger, dangerous from deep, active rebounder/defender.

Her size would lead me to believe she'll stay a PG in Insell's system. Not enough tape to see ballhandling ability but staying in control during contested transition is a good sign. I like her pushing for some PT as a freshman behind Jada next season.
 
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Lady Raiders sign Nicole Dominguez from Spain

https://www.fiba.basketball/en/events/fiba-u17-womens-basketball-world-cup-2024/teams/spain/345119-nicole-dominguez The Lady Raiders make a big splash in the 2025 Class with the signing of 6'9" (!?) Center from Spain! Her most recent action could be seen at the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball...
middletennessee.forums.rivals.com middletennessee.forums.rivals.com

Dominguez's highlights uploaded to her thread!
 
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Concerning signing dates. Early signing period I read is Nov. 13 - 20, regular signing period April 16 to May 21, 2025. I know I read we signed Dominguez outside of those dates which is great. I hate vultures swooping in offering buckets of money to steal a commitment especially when the staff has done all the work identifying a great prospect. Am I correct in assuming international athletes aren't held to same signing period stipulations as domestic recruits?
Also, if that's correct that means our other 4 recruits haven't officially signed yet, but are still officially verbal commitments for the 2025 class until said dates listed above, correct?
If all that's correct fingers crossed we can keep other major schools away. I believe they're picking up on Matt as an excellent identifier of talent, & if they can take advantage of his skills for their own use they absolutely will.
Love this whole class, & hope we can maintain everyone until signing day.
 
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MTFAN61 said:
Concerning signing dates. Early signing period I read is Nov. 13 - 20, regular signing period April 16 to May 21, 2025. I know I read we signed Dominguez outside of those dates which is great. I hate vultures swooping in offering buckets of money to steal a commitment especially when the staff has done all the work identifying a great prospect. Am I correct in assuming international athletes aren't held to same signing period stipulations as domestic recruits?
Also, if that's correct that means our other 4 recruits haven't officially signed yet, but are still officially verbal commitments for the 2025 class until said dates listed above, correct?
If all that's correct fingers crossed we can keep other major schools away. I believe they're picking up on Matt as an excellent identifier of talent, & if they can take advantage of his skills for their own use they absolutely will.
Love this whole class, & hope we can maintain everyone until signing day.
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Everyone is verbally committed until November 13th.

I'm not too concerned, flips are rare in womens college basketball. One team to note that seemingly always offers immediately after MTSU I've noticed HEAVILY in the 2026 class is Memphis and Georgia Tech.
 
See that Jenna McClendon just came in for her official visit. Saw her highlights. Really like her size 6' 4", athleticism, & work around the rim. Her speed up & down the court would fit in perfectly with the new roster.
Raiders fans should be head over heels if somehow we can pick her up for the 2025 class as well.
 
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MTFAN61 said:
See that Jenna McClendon just came in for her official visit. Saw her highlights. Really like her size 6' 4", athleticism, & work around the rim. Her speed up & down the court would fit in perfectly with the new roster.
Raiders fans should be head over heels if somehow we can pick her up for the 2025 class as well.
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She didn’t just visit. She committed! Fantastic class for 2025

 
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Anybody else notice the really unique thing about this 2025 class? Really like the fact the MT coaching staff decided to go totally old school. 6 new recruits, & all freshmen! Unheard of in these days & times with the transfer portal.
I think the coaching staff struck on something here when competing against the elites of women's college basketball. Instead of going for quick fixes in 2025 the coaches decided to play long ball. Can see the plan of building a unified & experienced team over the next 3-4 years. This is a foundational group coming in to hopefully transition MT into the women's version of Gonzaga brought up earlier. Very tough for a G5 school to break that Sweet 16 barrier. Must have not only talent & skill, but a unity that only the experience of playing for long times together can bring. Believe the coaches have picked up on that, & wouldn't be surprised for that to continue for the 2026 class.
All of that being said, still very glad for this year's transfers of Arike & Monson.
 
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Will be interested to see how they make the math work with 6 commits. Not often you have the chance to sign a whole starting lineup. Having 2 commits at Center is a little surprising, but McClendon seems athletic enough that they can slide her over if they decide to go big.

Everybody is excited about Dominguez and rightfully so, it's easy to see the potential but you always wonder about players ability to adapt playing in the states and not just on the court. I'd feel alot better if Mason can prove to be a capable starter in '25-26 so the staff can develop McClendon and Dominguez at a comfortable pace.

Out of this whole class, the one I'm most excited about is Macie Phifer, the girl is a gamer and a winner. IMO, she gives off big Anne Marie Lanning (Brentz) vibes. It blows my mind neither Ole Miss or Mississippi St gave her any real consideration
 
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MTFAN61 said:
Anybody else notice the really unique thing about this 2025 class? Really like the fact the MT coaching staff decided to go totally old school. 6 new recruits, & all freshmen! Unheard of in these days & times with the transfer portal.
I think the coaching staff struck on something here when competing against the elites of women's college basketball. Instead of going for quick fixes in 2025 the coaches decided to play long ball. Can see the plan of building a unified & experienced team over the next 3-4 years. This is a foundational group coming in to hopefully transition MT into the women's version of Gonzaga brought up earlier. Very tough for a G5 school to break that Sweet 16 barrier. Must have not only talent & skill, but a unity that only the experience of playing for long times together can bring. Believe the coaches have picked up on that, & wouldn't be surprised for that to continue for the 2026 class.
All of that being said, still very glad for this year's transfers of Arike & Monson.
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It’s always better to fill in holes rather than build through the portal in any sport in my opinion
 
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Speaking of the men, they have 9 players in their final year of eligibility. The women have their 6 commitments for 2025 already. What's the 2025 commitment list looking like for the men's team next year? Early signing date as discussed prior is coming up pretty soon.
 
MidTennFootball said:
Will be interested to see how they make the math work with 6 commits. Not often you have the chance to sign a whole starting lineup. Having 2 commits at Center is a little surprising, but McClendon seems athletic enough that they can slide her over if they decide to go big.

Everybody is excited about Dominguez and rightfully so, it's easy to see the potential but you always wonder about players ability to adapt playing in the states and not just on the court. I'd feel alot better if Mason can prove to be a capable starter in '25-26 so the staff can develop McClendon and Dominguez at a comfortable pace.

Out of this whole class, the one I'm most excited about is Macie Phifer, the girl is a gamer and a winner. IMO, she gives off big Anne Marie Lanning (Brentz) vibes. It blows my mind neither Ole Miss or Mississippi St gave her any real consideration
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Unfortunately it puts them 1 over next season the 15 scholarships available with only 5 graduating this season. Surely someone will transfers out, because of playing time. The reality is only so many play (especially given Insell's history), but I feel VERY confident they won't lose production year-over-year, like we've seen the last 4 years returning all meaningful minutes every season (with the exception of Grabovskaia).

2025-26 is shaping up to be a solid group that will earn quality PT early in their careers. It will be underclassman heavy, so I wouldn't be surprised to dip into the transfer portal again in summer '25 and get some added experience to team up with Ta'Mia.
 
MTFAN61 said:
Speaking of the men, they have 9 players in their final year of eligibility. The women have their 6 commitments for 2025 already. What's the 2025 commitment list looking like for the men's team next year? Early signing date as discussed prior is coming up pretty soon.
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They have zero verbal commits for 2025, and to my knowledge only 2-3 offers.
 
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MTFAN61 said:
Speaking of the men, they have 9 players in their final year of eligibility. The women have their 6 commitments for 2025 already. What's the 2025 commitment list looking like for the men's team next year? Early signing date as discussed prior is coming up pretty soon.
Click to expand...
They have really only offered point guards for 2025. Having a coach that has his future in question and on last year of deal isn’t exactly attractive tho
 
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