LADY RAIDER BB Transfer Portal Tracker

[jakeboldenbrp]

As names start to enter the portal, I will do my best to update a running list of names to keep an eye on.

Lady Raider Depth Chart as of 4/17:

1	2	3	4	5
Alayna Contreras (SR) Jada Harrison (rSO) Kirston Verhulst (FR)	Savannah Davis (SO) Carsyn Swaney (FR) Gracie Dodgen (rSR)	Blair Baugus (FR) Gracie Hamby (rJR)	Macie Phifer (FR) Emily Monson (JR)	Nicole Dominguez (FR) Stacy Kabernick (rSO) Jenna McClendon (FR)

Here is my list in no particular order:

• Jade Weathersby, UAB F (6-2 SO)
  • 2nd-team AAC, averaged 11 points, 9 rebounds/game. Athletic, long forward
• Brooke Moore, Liberty SG (6-0 SO)
  • Injured her freshman season at Liberty, but played 32 games at 15 minutes/game in '24-'25. Averaged 4.8 ppg on 47% FG.
• Marina Asensio, Western Michigan G (5-8 JR)
  • Played on same club (Segle XXI) as HS signee Nicole Dominguez in Spain. Averaged 14 ppg on 38% 3FG.
• Cori Allen, Illinois G (5-10 SO)
  • Originally targeted out of Hillsboro HS in Nashville before transferring to Montverde Academy her JR year. Top 100 recruit in the '23 class. Played in 30 games LY averaging 10 minutes/game.
• Lizzy Williamson, NC State C (6-5 SR)
  • Plagued with injuries since joining NC State. 2023 WAC DefPOY for Southern Utah averaging a double-double as a rJR.
• La'Nya Foster, Austin Peay G (5-9 SO)
  • 2024 ASun Freshman of the Year. Averaged nearly 12 ppg, 7 rpg for the Govs. Very good defender.

Off the Board:

• Mya Kone, 6-2 C FIU -> Miami (FL)
• Edyn Battle, 5-7 G Jacksonville -> South Florida
• Rachael Rose, 5-7 G Wofford -> Clemson
• Gracie Merkle, 6-6 C Penn State-> Maryland
• Iullia Grabovskaia, 6-5 C Michigan -> Washington
• Anaya Brown, 6-1 F UT-Martin -> SMU
• Caitlin Weimar, 6-4 F/C NC State -> Virginia
• Mia Jacobs, 6-2 C Fresno State -> Oregon
• Avery Strickland, 5-10 G Tennessee -> Belmont
• Gift Uchenna, 6-3 C Southern Illinois -> Wisconsin
• T'yana Todd, 6-0 G Boston College -> Ohio State
• Aniya Hubbard, 5-8 SG UAB -> Troy
• Alayna Contreras, 5-6 G UMKC -> MTSU
• Nora Francois, 6-2 C New Orleans -> Arizona
• Laura Ziegler, 6-2 F St. Joseph's -> Louisville
• Rhema Collins, 6-2 F Mississippi -> FIU
• Kiki Smith, 5-7 G Arkansas -> Purdue
• Sydney Mains, 5-10 G FAU -> Missouri
• Fanta Gassama, 6-1 F New Mexico State -> WITHDRAWN
• Lexi Fleming, 5-5 PG Bowling Green -> High Point
• Sophie Glancey, 6-2 F Northern Arizona -> Santa Clara
• Fatmata Janneh, 6-2 F St. Peter's -> Texas A&M
• Lauryn Swann, 5-7 G Arizona -> Rutgers
• Denim Deshields, 5-5 PG Mississippi State -> Mississippi

 

[MTOleBlue]

Great post but one correction - McClendon at 6’4” would be competing for that starting C position, Phifer is a G at 6’1”. I can also see us going for an experienced C for a year to hold down the block. Going after Merkle could be a good option since she clearly is good enough to do well in a loaded Big Ten.

 

[jakeboldenbrp]

Great post but one correction - McClendon at 6’4” would be competing for that starting C position, Phifer is a G at 6’1”. I can also see us going for an experienced C for a year to hold down the block. Going after Merkle could be a good option since she clearly is good enough to do well in a loaded Big Ten.

Correct, Phifer is a utility/flex player for certain. Ingomar played a lot of 5 out so it would be fair to say she's position-less? McClendon averaged a double-double at Prattville and has a high-energy presence. In an article on her signing, CRI said she could play the 4 or 5.

 

[MTOleBlue]

I really think our biggest area of need would be an immediate post presence as a starter or backup to Milanovic, Dominguez, McClendon, etc. but also some of that depends on if Rick is back next year, because will a transfer want to sit on the bench? Or would team risk having other C/F leave if Rick continues to not play anyone off bench except out of necessity?

In terms of PG, we’ll have Harrison, Verhulst, and potentially some others who could get into that role as well - so I feel like we’ll be pretty deep. CAB will be a big loss but she’s not necessarily the kind of PG we’ve had in the past who really fits the system to a T.

 

[jakeboldenbrp]

I really think our biggest area of need would be an immediate post presence as a starter or backup to Milanovic, Dominguez, McClendon, etc. but also some of that depends on if Rick is back next year, because will a transfer want to sit on the bench? Or would team risk having other C/F leave if Rick continues to not play anyone off bench except out of necessity?

I don't think they would get a transfer that wouldn't have an immediate impact on the starting five. They already have too many on scholarship (assuming all 15 this year were on scholarship) with the 10 returning plus 6 HS signees.

 

[MTOleBlue]

I don't think they would get a transfer that wouldn't have an immediate impact on the starting five. They already have too many on scholarship (assuming all 15 this year were on scholarship) with the 10 returning plus 6 HS signees.

That’s actually another question I have had. Is the roster size changing due to recent Title IX judgements and stuff? I thought for sure I had heard the WBB teams may get an additional scholarship or two but I could be all mixed up.

 

[jakeboldenbrp]

That’s actually another question I have had. Is the roster size changing due to recent Title IX judgements and stuff? I thought for sure I had heard the WBB teams may get an additional scholarship or two but I could be all mixed up.

Mens basketball gained 2 more scholarships to match WBB as part of the antitrust settlement. To my knowledge, WBB will remain at 15.

 

[MTOleBlue]

Mens basketball gained 2 more scholarships to match WBB as part of the antitrust settlement. To my knowledge, WBB will remain at 15.

That must’ve been what I was thinking about. Thanks for clarifying. Wonder how they’re figuring the math for the incoming class… it’ll be interesting to see

 

[MTFAN61]

Would like to see what McClendon could do at the 5 spot. I like her speed & athleticism & quickness up & down the court.
At the point would like someone with some of offensive moxie & can hit at least 50% of her layup attempts.

 

[jakeboldenbrp]

• Lexi Fleming, Bowling Green PG (5-5, SR)
  • Avg 12.6 ppg through 4 years at BG. 46% FG on 10 att/g and 36% from 3, near 2 A/TO ratio. I think a very underrated find.

Adding Fleming to this list. Really impressive numbers LY moving into her final year of eligibility. Also made the Final Four of the WNIT in 2023.

 

[jakeboldenbrp]

• Alayna Contreras, UMKC G (5-6, SO)
  • Multi-level scorer with high-volume shooting. Scored nearly 600 points (over 17 ppg) for UMKC on 17 FGA/g (7th most in CBB) and 38% FG.

Another name with high-volume, high-scoring potential. 2 years of eligibility remaining.

 

[crassyblue]

Would like to see what McClendon could do at the 5 spot. I like her speed & athleticism & quickness up & down the court.
At the point would like someone with some of offensive moxie & can hit at least 50% of her layup attempts.

I think she might get more playing time to start than the 6'10'' girl. That girl looks fairly agile and moves without the ball pretty good. She also looks stronger than Anastasia from the start, but most every big girl doesn't have the stamia of Anastasia. I think there will be a lot of time split for a while with them.

 

[MTOleBlue]

I think she might get more playing time to start than the 6'10'' girl. That girl looks fairly agile and moves without the ball pretty good. She also looks stronger than Anastasia from the start, but most every big girl doesn't have the stamia of Anastasia. I think there will be a lot of time split for a while with them.

Yeah stamina will definitely be the build up for Nicole. We’ve got a lot of potential at the 5 with Jenna coming in and Ana Milanovic off the bench this year.

Wonder who we will lose to the portal this year… it has opened officially this morning

 

[crassyblue]

Yeah stamina will definitely be the build up for Nicole. We’ve got a lot of potential at the 5 with Jenna coming in and Ana Milanovic off the bench this year.

Wonder who we will lose to the portal this year… it has opened officially this morning

I should have talked about Ana Milanovic also. She has a year in the process and showed good talent when she got in. Triple-Split Time

 

[jakeboldenbrp]

 

[jakeboldenbrp]

I should have talked about Ana Milanovic also. She has a year in the process and showed good talent when she got in. Triple-Split Time

Don't forget Kabernick. She had the most PT outside of Grannum at the 5. They were really happy with her progress this past offseason. Also a good shot from three.

 

[jakeboldenbrp]

In CUSA news: Josie Gilvin and Mackenzie Chatfield enter the transfer portal for WKU. Big loss for Collins. Will be a completely new Starting 5 in Bowling Green next year.

Jax State has three of their top 6 scorers in the portal. If you add in the graduations of Rhodes and Barnes, that's 5 of their top 6 scorers will be gone.

 

[MTOleBlue]

Wow… major changes at WKU. Hope we don’t lose many or any

 

[jakeboldenbrp]

Unfortunate.

Lady Raiders currently at 15 scholarship players. With Matt's announcement of Portal Shopping, I would anticipate more to follow to make room on the roster.

 

[MTOleBlue]

Well crap. She will be a big loss.

 

[MTBig Blue]

Not a surprise. She was the one I was worried about the most.

 

[MTOleBlue]

She’s an incredible scorer and very talented but needs to work on decision making. She had Nas open in the paint multiple times per game before passing the ball away or turning it over - frustrating to watch. That said, she’ll be a big loss.

 

[asuhatesme]

Rumor has it she saw how good the signing class was and knew she wouldn’t even see the floor next year.

 

[blueboro007]

Rumor has it she saw how good the signing class was and knew she wouldn’t even see the floor next year.

Hope you are right but we keep hearing about these great signing classes only to see them warm the bench.

 

[asuhatesme]

Hope you are right but we keep hearing about these great signing classes only to see them warm the bench.

I’ve been assured by people on this board that this year signing class is the best in the country. So I will defer to them. They obviously know more ball than I do.

 

[MTOleBlue]

Hope you are right but we keep hearing about these great signing classes only to see them warm the bench.

He’s trolling.

Folks have been saying how good the incoming class is but that has nothing to do with Ta’Mia who has been an established starter. She wants a bigger role and a different fit, good luck to her wherever she ends up.

 

[MTOleBlue]

I’ve been assured by people on this board that this year signing class is the best in the country. So I will defer to them. They obviously know more ball than I do.

No, you’re the expert. Please inform us about the truth of the situation.

 

[asuhatesme]

No, you’re the expert. Please inform us about the truth of the situation.

The truth of the matter is now we only return about three points per game on a team that was already offensively pathetic. Add in the fact that it’s been a significant downgrade to our team’s overall athleticism, and we’re cooked.
Rick is only coming back to get his 500 wins and what you’re gonna see next year is a pathetic schedule and I barely 500 team that finishes at least fifth in the conference.

 

[MTOleBlue]

The truth of the matter is now we only return about three points per game on a team that was already offensively pathetic. Add in the fact that it’s been a significant downgrade to our team’s overall athleticism, and we’re cooked.
Rick is only coming back to get his 500 wins and what you’re gonna see next year is a pathetic schedule and I barely 500 team that finishes at least fifth in the conference.

That’s quite a few leaps in there. I’ll just go ahead and bookmark this post for safekeeping to reflect on next year on us finishing “barely .500”…

The offense was quite clearly lacking this year, and it’s going to be a total reset so I’m not sure how you can prognosticate about it being certainly “cooked” based on a bench that we didn’t even see play very much. Part of the clear issue with this year’s team was the lack of a strong scoring PG like we had with Savannah, that allowed teams to double and triple Nas all year, every game. All of that changes next year with a new offense, and it has to be a new one considering we are losing literally every starter. Yes, there’s a chance we stink, but the chance of the new players stepping up as they have every single year over the last 2 decades is greater in my view.

And you do realize we are hosting the Tennessee Lady Vols at home next year, right? Even without other big name opponents that alone will give us a tough time in out of conference. We aren’t going to schedule scared just because you think we will suck.

 

[TruBluCop]

Not a surprise. She was the one I was worried about the most.

Show me the "MONEY" is the name of the game now.

 

[MTFAN61]

Scott would have been the offenses focal point, & leader of next year's team had she returned. She has made occasional statements about overcoming frustrations here at MT. This year had to have been the most frustrating time she's experienced at Middle. She knows how Rick coaches, & it looks like he's returning next year. With that being the case not surprised about her decision.
It's probably her thought if we struggled so badly offensively with so much available experience, it will likely be worse with 6 incoming freshmen. Especially with a coach who spends the predominant amount of practice time on defense & minimal time on offense.
Note: Scott could be just the beginning of transfer requests. She was a major starter, & she wants out. What about the Raiders who barely saw any time at all?? We'll have to wait & see, but what goes around comes around. If there's a large number of defects going forward we know who's to blame.

 

[MTOleBlue]

Definitely a “grass is greener on the other side” kind of decision. Wish her the best.

 

[Hop45]

I think she decided she didn't want the hassle of going through a rebuild with losing so many Seniors this year. may have had a solid offer and decided to jump at it.

 

[jakeboldenbrp]

Meioshe Mason has entered the portal. By my count, the Lady Raiders now have one scholarship available.

 

[jakeboldenbrp]

FIU's preseason Player of the Year, Mya Kone is in the portal after an injured '24-'25 season. Another big hit inside CUSA.

 

[blueboro007]

Don’t blame Mason or any of the bench players for wanting to go somewhere that they might see the court during a game rather than just practice.

 

[MTBig Blue]

View embedded media

Meioshe Mason has entered the portal. By my count, the Lady Raiders now have one scholarship available.

Shouldn't we have 2 with both Mason and Scott leaving?

 

[jakeboldenbrp]

• Nora Francois, New Orleans C (6-2 SR)
  • 15 ppg, 8.2 rpg. Scrappy, athletic big. Can shoot the 3 (25% from 3 on 101 attempts).
• Gift Uchenna, Southern Illinois C (6-3 JR)
  • One of the top rebounders in CBB LY with 12.8 rpg, 5 offensive boards/game.
• Jade Weathersby, UAB F (6-2 SO)
  • 2nd-team AAC, averaged 11 points, 9 rebounds/game. Athletic, long forward
• Sophie Glancey, Northern Arizona F (6-2 JR)
  • Potentially the best mid-major in portal with 18 points, 9 rebound average on 50% FG. Big Sky All-Defense.
• Mya Kone, FIU C (6-2 JR)
  • 2024 CUSA 6th POY, coming off injury in 2025 and preseason CUSA POY.
• Fatmata Janneh, St. Peter's F (6-2 SO)
  • 19 double-doubles for the All-MAAC selection. Another high volume shooter with multi-level scoring ability.

A lot of portal action yesterday. Now that the scholarship is available, I'm putting more energy into looking at the 4/5 spot.

Francois, Weathersby, Kone are the most realistic 'possible' of the newest additions. Francois is a very scrappy big that would fit the typical 4s we've seen in years past, and has the size to play the 5. Weathersby is very quick and long. Kone wouldn't be the first FIU transfer, and someone familiar with the league/MTSU always seems like someone to keep an eye on.

Uchenna is the most talented rebounder in the portal. The defensive rebounding nightmare for opponents with a Uchenna/Dominguez front court would be something to behold.

Glancey and Janneh have P4 written all over them because of their scoring ability. I don't know if it's a money situation or a professional aspirations for either players. For MT, landing a proven, experienced forward/center is pivotal to a return to CUSA supremacy and either would be elite options.

 

[MTTim]

Definitely a “grass is greener on the other side” kind of decision. Wish her the best.

She's a wonderful young lady. Great family. I wouldn't be surprised if she came back.

 

[jakeboldenbrp]

Shouldn't we have 2 with both Mason and Scott leaving?

The 2025 roster was a full 15.

Graduate 5 Seniors, Signed 6 HS, and 2 transferred out. Currently totals 14 scholarships leaving 1 remaining to sign