BB RECRUITING Class of 2025 Board

[jakeboldenbrp]

I like keeping everyone up to date on our most successful program. Per interview with Matt, they're not completely done with recruiting the '25 Class. Here is everything I know (all my rankings are according to Prep Girls Hoops).

Verbal Commits:

• Carsyn Swaney, 5'11" PG from Heritage HS (Maryville, TN)
  • #15 in TN, avg 21.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg
• Macie Phifer, 5'11" SF from Ingomar HS (New Albany, MS)
  • #1 in MS, 2024 MS Gatorade Player of the Year, 2023 Class 1A Miss Basketball, 2024 Class 2A Miss Basketball, avg 20.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg
• Blair Baugus, 6'0" PF from Wayne County HS (Waynesboro, TN)
  • #3 in TN, 2023 Class 1A TN Miss Basketball, avg 17.1 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 1.5 apg, 2.3 spg
• Kirston Verhulst, 5'8" PG from Bishop Miege HS (De Soto, KS)
  • #7 in KS, 2023 Class 4A State Champion, avg 14.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.4 apg
• Nicole Dominguez, 6'10" C from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
  • Featured on Spain's U17 FIBA World Cup (Bronze-medal winner), 6.7 ppg, 6 rpg
• Jenna McClendon, 6'4" C from Prattville Christian Academy (Deatsville, AL)
  • unranked, Returning from ACL surgery in January '24.

Offers:

• Lauren Hurst, 6'3" PF from Cleveland HS (Cleveland, TN)
  • #1 in TN, #41 Nationally, 2024 (Volleyball) TN Gatorade Player of the Year
  • Most Recent Offers: Florida, Tennessee (re-offer), Clemson, North Carolina, NC State

• Harmonie Ware, 5'9" SG from Bradley Central HS (Cleveland, TN)
  • #5 in TN
  • Most Recent Offers: California, Kennesaw State, Southern Miss, FAU, James Madison

• Tatianna Stovall, 6'1" SF from Bradley Central (Cleveland, TN)
  • #6 in TN
  • Most Recent Offers: James Madison, Rice, UAB, Kennesaw State, Tennessee Tech

• Ciara Byars, 6'2" CG from George Rogers Clark HS (Winchester, KY)
  • #3 in KY, #63 Nationally, coming off knee injury
  • Most Recent Offers: California, Virginia Tech, Michigan State, DePaul, Wake Forest

• Liv Blomkvist, 6'4" C from RIG Lulea (Sweden)
  • unranked
  • Most Recent Offers: Wyoming, UAB

Off the Board:

• Jaidynn Askins, 6'0" SF from Jackson Southside HS (Jackson, TN)
  • #22 in TN, verbal commit to Murray State
• Ace Austin, 5'5" PG from Spring Garden HS (Piedmont, AL)
  • #1 in AL, #53 Nationally, 2024 AL Miss Basketball verbal commit to Alabama
• Olivia Vinson, 5'11" SG from Coffee County HS (Manchester, TN)
  • #31 in TN, verbal commit to Lipscomb
• Maya Makalusky, 6'3" SF from Hamilton Southeastern HS (Fishers, IN)
  • #2 in IN, #59 Nationally, verbal commit to Indiana
• Lyriq Mastin, 5'6" PG from Blackman HS (Murfreesboro, TN)
  • #12 in TN, verbal commit to Tennessee Tech
• Reese Beaty, 5'8" PG from York Institute (Jamestown, TN)
  • #2 in TN, verbal commit to Iowa State
• Emily Hunter, 6'8" C from TPLS Christian Academy (Woodlake, VA)
  • #4 in VA, verbal commit to TCU
• Channah Gannon, 6'3" C from Coffee County HS (Manchester, TN)
  • #19 in TN, verbal commit to Southern Indiana

 

[MidTennFootball]

Isn't Milanović in this class?

 

[jakeboldenbrp]

Isn't Milanović in this class?

Ana is apart of the '24 signing class along with Savannah Davis.

She played one club season in Serbia, my assumption is she'll have 4 years of eligibility(?) at 19 years old.

 

[MTFAN61]

Ana is apart of the '24 signing class along with Savannah Davis.

She played one club season in Serbia, my assumption is she'll have 4 years of eligibility(?) at 19 years old.

Excellent news! Apparently the Ana Milanovic who was listed as a junior at a Connecticut prep school by MaxPreps last year was either in error or was a totally different individual, but with the same name.

 

[TruBluCop]

She will be here in August form what I hear. Gonna be one hell of a team if they can all get on the same sheet of music! could have a 10 player rotation.

 

[SpaceRaider]

could have a 10 player rotation.

Would love to see that, but I'll believe it when it happens.

 

[crassyblue]

I don't believe it will happen either. It will most likely be 7 or 8 top players. It has rarely ever been more than that.

 

[Shayne_Pickering]

 

[MTFAN61]

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No surprise Emily has numerous offers so far. A couple of things are in our favor. 1) Didn't realize she's originally from Nashville until just now reading about her. We would give her a chance to come back, & be close to her family. 2) We're the only school that shows up on her account as having made an unofficial visit to meet the coaching staff & see our facilities so far. Which means she's interested!
Side note, Emily is 6' 8" with a 6' 9" wing span.
Last year's stats from TPLS in Virginia.
15.7 ppg, 10.9 rpg, & 2.6 big.
Watched her video highlights. Definitely more mobile than I had expected.
Our coaches are great at teaching post moves. She would do well hear.
Matt & company are tremendous recruiters. He's shown that if he really wants someone he can get them here. Her offers will probably get better & better, but I wouldn't be surprised to see her dressed as a Blue Raider next year.
We already have the makings for an excellent team in 2025, but if we have the fortune of also signing Hunter all one can say is the NCAA should watch out for Middle Tennessee!

 

[MTFAN61]

No surprise Emily has numerous offers so far. A couple of things are in our favor. 1) Didn't realize she's originally from Nashville until just now reading about her. We would give her a chance to come back, & be close to her family. 2) We're the only school that shows up on her account as having made an unofficial visit to meet the coaching staff & see our facilities so far. Which means she's interested!
Side note, Emily is 6' 8" with a 6' 9" wing span.
Last year's stats from TPLS in Virginia.
15.7 ppg, 10.9 rpg, & 2.6 big.
Watched her video highlights. Definitely more mobile than I had expected.
Our coaches are great at teaching post moves. She would do well hear.
Matt & company are tremendous recruiters. He's shown that if he really wants someone he can get them here. Her offers will probably get better & better, but I wouldn't be surprised to see her dressed as a Blue Raider next year.
We already have the makings for an excellent team in 2025, but if we have the fortune of also signing Hunter all one can say is the NCAA should watch out for Middle Tennessee!

Follow up to auto correct: Should be 2.6 blocks/game.

 

[MTOleBlue]

Her dad is also an MTSU alum. She would be an outstanding addition. Glad we got her here on a visit.

 

[MTFAN61]

On today's podcast coach Matt brought up the 3 commits listed above for 2025, but said he doesn't feel we're done just yet. He discussed the hopes of adding 2 possibly 3 more players to that group. Not outside the realm of possibility we could still add both Jenna McClendon & Emily Hunter to the 2025 roster before things are done.

 

[Shayne_Pickering]

On today's podcast coach Matt brought up the 3 commits listed above for 2025, but said he doesn't feel we're done just yet. He discussed the hopes of adding 2 possibly 3 more players to that group. Not outside the realm of possibility we could still add both Jenna McClendon & Emily Hunter to the 2025 roster before things are done.

Could be hard to land two 5s when both have other mid major offers

 

[jakeboldenbrp]

Offers:

• Lauren Hurst, 6'3" PF from Cleveland HS (Cleveland, TN)
  • #1 in TN, #31 Nationally, 2024 (Volleyball) TN Gatorade Player of the Year
  • Most Recent Offers: Florida, Tennessee (re-offer), Clemson, North Carolina, NC State

• Reese Beaty, 5'8" PG from York Institute (Jamestown, TN)
  • #2 in TN, decommited from Clemson, 2024 Class 2A Miss Basketball Finalist
  • Most Recent Offers: Cleveland State, West Virginia, TCU, Marquette, Pittsburgh

• Channah Gannon, 6'3" C from Coffee County HS (Manchester, TN)
  • #19 in TN
  • Most Recent Offers: Buffalo, Stephen F Austin, East Tennessee State, Samford

• Emily Hunter, 6'8" C from TPLS Christian Academy (Woodlake, VA)
  • #12 in VA
  • Most Recent Offers: Florida, Syracuse, Providence, Appalachian State, Georgia Southern

Your Monday update with some MT targets getting some attention from Florida (Hurst and Hunter).

Beaty continues to roll in offers -- this weekend from mid-major Cleveland State after a 29-6 season in a top-heavy Horizon League

Gannon receives an offer from middling-MAC program Buffalo. Lady Bulls desperately needing size at center (Just 2 players at 6'2" on '25 projected roster).

 

[jakeboldenbrp]

Offers:

• Harmonie Ware, 5'9" SG from Bradley Central HS (Cleveland, TN)
  • #5 in TN, #96 nationally
  • Most Recent Offers: Kennesaw State, Southern Miss, FAU, James Madison, Furman

• Channah Gannon, 6'3" C from Coffee County HS (Manchester, TN)
  • #19 in TN
  • Most Recent Offers: Toledo, Buffalo, Stephen F Austin, East Tennessee State, Samford

• Emily Hunter, 6'8" C from TPLS Christian Academy (Woodlake, VA)
  • #12 in VA
  • Most Recent Offers: Ole Miss, Marquette, North Carolina, Florida, Syracuse

Off the Board:

• Lyriq Mastin, 5'6" PG from Blackman HS (Murfreesboro, TN)
  • #12 in TN, verbal commit to Tennessee Tech

Another player off the board for the Lady Raiders as Blackman product Lyriq Mastin verbally committed to Tennessee Tech on Friday.

In regards to open offers, I'm afraid word is slowly getting out on the 6'8" center Emily Hunter as she picked up 3 more P5 offers from Ole Miss, Marquette, and top-25 mainstay North Carolina. In regards to MTSU's pursuit, her only visit thus far has been to Murfreesboro.

Manchester, TN native Channah Gannon picks up an offer from mid-major Toledo this past week. I firmly believe getting one from the collection of center offers (Hunter, Gannon, or McClendon) is paramount to this signing class from a B to A/A+.

Lastly Bradley Central standout Harmonie Ware receiving love from ESPN's national rankings sliding into their updated Top 100 (#96). Surprisingly, I haven't seen much traffic in regards to her recruiting -- last offer was from Kennesaw State just over a month ago and still no P5 offers.

 

[MTOleBlue]

Absolutely believe that us getting the first visit for Emily Hunter is going to pay dividends in addition to her family being alums. Would not be surprised if we pull off a major coup and get her when all is said and done.

 

[MTFAN61]

In addition, we need to solidify our NIL base when attempting to acquire players like Hunter who are also being recruited by multiple power prrograms.
The idea of 3rd party naming rights to the Murphy Center could be huge in this area if deemed legal. If a 3rd party agreed to a $500,000 annual naming rights contract to MT for the Murphy Center could they not also deem they would request a substantial amount of that income to go to NIL for the men's & women's players? For example if the 3rd party could successfully request $150k each go to the men's & women's NIL program annually out of the naming rights contract that would play a huge role in recruiting players the status & potential of an Emily Hunter.
With what we already have arriving in 2025, adding someone like Hunter to its class could ultimately propel MT to top 20 status, & with that having a much better chance of a coveted top 16 seed in the NCAA playoffs.

 

[MTFAN61]

Emily Hunter confirmed a visit to Syracuse. Originally felt really good about Emily's recruitment with family ties being so close, but as time goes by fear is starting to creep in about our chances with her.

 

[MidTennFootball]

Unfortunately for programs like Middle, best you can do is get in early and hope the player remembers who showed them love first like Jada Harrison did. I'd be perfectly fine with Gannon, she recently got an offer from Toledo and they're legit

 

[MTFAN61]

ESPN Top 100 (currently #96) Bradley Central class of 2025, 5' 10" guard Harmonie Ware just completed an unofficial visit to Middle Tennessee with our ladies coaching staff.
According to state tournament stats from last March Harmonie scored 61 points in 3 games for a little over 20 ppg average.

 

[Shayne_Pickering]

ESPN Top 100 (currently #96) Bradley Central class of 2025, 5' 10" guard Harmonie Ware just completed an unofficial visit to Middle Tennessee with our ladies coaching staff.
According to state tournament stats from last March Harmonie scored 61 points in 3 games for a little over 20 ppg average.

 

[Shayne_Pickering]

Might have to grab some Burrito Xpress and go watch her play this year when I’m back in Cleveland. Bradley team once again loaded

 

[MidTennFootball]

Won't complain if they can sign her but would be a curious signing since MT needs a 5

 

[MTFAN61]

I'm surprised there's been no reports of unofficial visits anywhere for Jenna McClendon thus far. Only thing I saw on her account was her showing thanks to MT for its scholarship offer last April.

 

[MTOleBlue]

Glad that Harmonie was on a visit! Hopefully she keeps us in mind.

 

[jakeboldenbrp]

Offers:

• Lauren Hurst, 6'3" PF from Cleveland HS (Cleveland, TN)
  • #1 in TN, #31 Nationally, 2024 (Volleyball) TN Gatorade Player of the Year
  • Most Recent Offers: Florida, Tennessee (re-offer), Clemson, North Carolina, NC State

• Harmonie Ware, 5'9" SG from Bradley Central HS (Cleveland, TN)
  • #5 in TN, #96 nationally
  • Most Recent Offers: Kennesaw State, Southern Miss, FAU, James Madison, Furman

• Reese Beaty, 5'8" PG from York Institute (Jamestown, TN)
  • #2 in TN, decommited from Clemson, 2024 Class 2A Miss Basketball Finalist
  • Most Recent Offers: Cleveland State, West Virginia, TCU, Marquette, Pittsburgh

• Tatianna Stovall, 6'1" SF from Bradley Central (Cleveland, TN)
  • #6 in TN
  • Most Recent Offers: James Madison, Rice, UAB, Kennesaw State, Tennessee Tech

Clemson's Shawn Poppie recruiting his former stop (Chattanooga, TN) extremely hard getting visits from MT targets Lauren Hurst (Cleveland HS) and Kimora Fields ('26 from Bradley Central).

Harmonie Ware took a visit to MT this past week, but the shooting guard also took a visit to Furman. Surprised we are still on her radar after earning a 4-star, Top 100 ESPN recruit ranking.

Reese Beaty stays hot on the P4 recruiting trail taking a visit to Top 10, and '24 non-conference opponent Iowa State.

Tatianna Stovall receives an offer from James Madison.

 

[MTFAN61]

Clemson's Shawn Poppie recruiting his former stop (Chattanooga, TN) extremely hard getting visits from MT targets Lauren Hurst (Cleveland HS) and Kimora Fields ('26 from Bradley Central).

Harmonie Ware took a visit to MT this past week, but the shooting guard also took a visit to Furman. Surprised we are still on her radar after earning a 4-star, Top 100 ESPN recruit ranking.

Reese Beaty stays hot on the P4 recruiting trail taking a visit to Top 10, and '24 non-conference opponent Iowa State.

Tatianna Stovall receives an offer from James Madison.

Coach Matt said he would like to add 2-3 more players to next year's class. Any word from coach on any new upcoming verbal commitments? It's been April since Blair & Macie made their respective announcements. I was hoping their names would have spiked additional recruitment interest, & would have garnered at least 1 more verbal by now. Things appear to have gotten tougher, & slowed up a bit however.
Be great to get another quality name on board soon to help reassure the 3 early commitments this is the place to be.

 

[jakeboldenbrp]

Coach Matt said he would like to add 2-3 more players to next year's class. Any word from coach on any new upcoming verbal commitments? It's been April since Blair & Macie made their respective announcements. I was hoping their names would have spiked additional recruitment interest, & would have garnered at least 1 more verbal by now. Things appear to have gotten tougher, & slowed up a bit however.
Be great to get another quality name on board soon to help reassure the 3 early commitments this is the place to be.

The recent visits from Hunter and Ware would imply that their options are still pretty wide open still. Don't get too lost in the weeds on the rate of commitment -- 3 verbals (of your initial targets) before the next season begins is exceptionally well for any team, not just a mid-major. The verbal commitment period typically heats up in late July-September before the HS season begins.

I'd also add when CMI said he'd like to add 2-3 more players, I think that's in an perfect world. We're in a position where if the "right" commit doesn't land here that we have had really good leverage in the transfer portal in years past. I don't anticipate us reaching out of our current targets just to reach a roster quota.

 

[MTFAN61]

Coffee County center Channah Gannon is being recruited by a solid Nebraska program, & recently completed a visit there.
More & more P4 schools are paying attention to the players on Middle Tennessee's recruiting list.

 

[MidTennFootball]

Coffee County center Channah Gannon is being recruited by a solid Nebraska program, & recently completed a visit there.
More & more P4 schools are paying attention to the players on Middle Tennessee's recruiting list.

A testament to the great eye for talent this staff has for talent and the top flight WBB talent this state produces. For alot of the girls they sign, MT is a either among the first to offer or the best program that has offered up to that point. We've been fortunate for alot of our best talent, those recruits and their families don't forget that and have reciprocated that loyalty after they get onto campus

 

[Shayne_Pickering]

 

[MTFAN61]

Surprised to see MT in her final selections list. Despite playing in the Murphy Center numerous times I don't believe Reese had an unofficial visit with the staff. Matt & the rest of our coaching staff must have made a huge push recently.
Her P4 offers list is amazing.

 

[MTFAN61]

As somewhat expected Reese Beaty on to Iowa State. Hard to imagine her & Jada Harrison sharing the ball for 3 years at point. Still a great attempt. To be included in final 7 out of 50 offers not bad.

 

[crassyblue]

I do like the fact we were considered. If we can continue with post season success, we can continue to build up our name.

 

[jakeboldenbrp]

Another '25 Target releases her top 7. MT doesn't make the cut.

 

[jakeboldenbrp]

Offers:

• Ciara Byars, 6'2" CG from George Rogers Clark HS (Winchester, KY)
  • #3 in KY, #44 Nationally, coming off knee injury
  • Most Recent Offers: California, Virginia Tech, Michigan State, DePaul, Wake Forest

• Channah Gannon, 6'3" C from Coffee County HS (Manchester, TN)
  • #19 in TN
  • Most Recent Offers: Saint Louis, Nebraska, Toledo, Buffalo, Stephen F Austin

• Emily Hunter, 6'8" C from TPLS Christian Academy (Woodlake, VA)
  • #12 in VA
  • Most Recent Offers: Georgia Tech, Ole Miss, Marquette, North Carolina, Florida

Off the Board:

• Reese Beaty, 5'8" PG from York Institute (Jamestown, TN)
  • #2 in TN, verbal commit to Iowa State

Haven't posted in a while with updates from July.

Ciara Byars recently updated her recruiting by releasing her Top 7 schools (in no particular order): California, Virginia Tech, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, Michigan, Maryland, and Louisville. Comes a no surprise we missed the cut with her moving up to #44 in ESPN's updated class of '25 rankings. Byars is coming off a knee injury.

Channah Gannon gets her first P4 offer from Nebraska on an official visit. She adds another offer from Saint Louis. As her recruiting has picked up this summer it is to note she only has taken visits to Nebraska and MTSU.

Emily Hunter's recruiting has "slowed down" in offers with only Georgia Tech being the latest P4. However, Hunter has taken a visit to another Big East school, Providence.

Reese Beaty, TN #2-ranked prospect, has committed to Iowa State after what has been a wild 3-4 months in her recruiting. After decommitting from Clemson in March, the Tigers were her only P4 offer until her stock rose this summer in the EYBL circuit picking up over 30 D1 offers. The Lady Raiders made the mid-state product's top 7. In all fairness, Beaty may have created a log jam at PG if she had committed to MT. As we've seen in recent years, being in her top 7 could play a big role if she were to enter the portal in the future.

 

[Shayne_Pickering]

 

[jakeboldenbrp]

Offers:

• Lauren Hurst, 6'3" PF from Cleveland HS (Cleveland, TN)
  • #1 in TN, #31 Nationally, 2024 (Volleyball) TN Gatorade Player of the Year
  • Most Recent Offers: Florida, Tennessee (re-offer), Clemson, North Carolina, NC State

• Harmonie Ware, 5'9" SG from Bradley Central HS (Cleveland, TN)
  • #5 in TN, #96 nationally
  • Most Recent Offers: California, Kennesaw State, Southern Miss, FAU, James Madison

• Tatianna Stovall, 6'1" SF from Bradley Central (Cleveland, TN)
  • #6 in TN
  • Most Recent Offers: James Madison, Rice, UAB, Kennesaw State, Tennessee Tech

• Liv Blomkvist, 6'4" C from RIG Lulea (Sweden)
  • unranked
  • Most Recent Offers: Wyoming, UAB

Off the Board:

• Emily Hunter, 6'8" C from TPLS Christian Academy (Woodlake, VA)
  • #12 in VA, verbal commit to TCU

Another quick update for everybody on recent 2025 news in the last month

Lauren Hurst still shopping with an official visit to Tennessee at the end of August. Don't have much of a gauge of her recruiting at the moment but my crystal ball would say she's leaning heavily to the Lady Vols or Clemson.

Harmonie Ware secures her first P4 offer (Kentucky offer dropped after Elzy firing) to California and takes an official visit to James Madison. I'd think MT would still be in the hunt, but I'd assume forward/centers are a priority.

TaTianna Stovall took an unofficial visit to Belmont recently. Stovall is one I think Insell and staff really want to secure before the season kicks off. Being in a battle with in-state rival Belmont would typically suit well for MTSU, but some recruits aren't always hunting championships, more so playing time.

Liv Blomkvist was the most recent offering from MTSU. I do not know the legitmacy of that reporting as Liv, herself has not made a public post about the offer whereas she did publicly announce her offers to Wyoming and UAB.

Lastly, highly targeted 6'8" Center Emily Hunter is off the board with a verbal commit to TCU. I'd still keep an eye on her in the future with family ties to Murfreesboro. Who knows.

 

[MTFAN61]

Another quick update for everybody on recent 2025 news in the last month

Lauren Hurst still shopping with an official visit to Tennessee at the end of August. Don't have much of a gauge of her recruiting at the moment but my crystal ball would say she's leaning heavily to the Lady Vols or Clemson.

Harmonie Ware secures her first P4 offer (Kentucky offer dropped after Elzy firing) to California and takes an official visit to James Madison. I'd think MT would still be in the hunt, but I'd assume forward/centers are a priority.

TaTianna Stovall took an unofficial visit to Belmont recently. Stovall is one I think Insell and staff really want to secure before the season kicks off. Being in a battle with in-state rival Belmont would typically suit well for MTSU, but some recruits aren't always hunting championships, more so playing time.

Liv Blomkvist was the most recent offering from MTSU. I do not know the legitmacy of that reporting as Liv, herself has not made a public post about the offer whereas she did publicly announce her offers to Wyoming and UAB.

Lastly, highly targeted 6'8" Center Emily Hunter is off the board with a verbal commit to TCU. I'd still keep an eye on her in the future with family ties to Murfreesboro. Who knows.

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That's disappointing news, but excellent reporting. Any news on Jenna McClendon out of Alabama?

 

[jakeboldenbrp]

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.