Women's Basketball | 6/13/2022 3:03:00 PM

MIAMI SHORES, Fla.—Head coach Kristina Baugh announced seven members of the 2023 recruiting class this summer.

The Bucs, who went 16-10 in 2021-22 and reached the semifinals of the Sunshine State Conference Tournament, welcome seven new players to the team, with four transfers and three freshmen. Guards Jeannie Scott and Reagan Jackson, wing Ana Gascon and post Lidesy Mahoukou join the team as transfers, while guard Kalea Rainey, wing Anajah Ingram and post K'Nari Holliday are incoming freshmen.

Scott (5-5, Indian River CC, Miami, Fla.) joined the Bucs in January, but did not compete. She played in 16 games, starting eight for coach Jamarra Robinson's Pioners at Indian River CC. She averaged 8.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.8 steals per game and shot 30.8 percent from three-point range. She played her prep ball at Miami Senior, leading the Stingarees to a 77-15 record, with three trip to the state championship game and a title in 2020. She was named First-Team All-Dade County as a senior.

"I chose Barry to win," Scott said.

"'Jay' is the silent assassin of our incoming group," Baugh said. "She is a bonified athlete who has great awareness and feel for the game. Her composure with the ball and ability to score at all three levels is next level. We are so excited to have a home grown Miamian as an addition to our family."

Jackson (5-7, Clark-Atlanta, Chesapeake, Va.) is a graduate transfer from Clark-Atlanta. She led head coach Tony Bailey's Panthers with 18.8 points per game and 3.5 assists last season. She made 56 three-pointers, shooting 31.6 percent beyond the arc. She was named to the All-SIAC First-Team and scored more than 1,000 points for her career. She started her career with a bang, earning SIAC Freshman of the Year as a rookie.

"I chose Barry because of the reputable clinical psychology program," Jackson said. "I also loved the camaraderie of the team."

"Reagan is a phenomenal two-way player with a powerful first step, consistent range and resume that speaks volumes on her ability to score in multiple ways." Baugh said. "Her experience will be invaluable to our team as well as her ability to play mutiple positions."

Gascon (5-9, Eastern Wyoming CC, Barcelona, Spain) comes from Eastern Wyoming CC, where she earned All-Region honors under coach Chad Anderson. The wing forward averaged 9.6 points per game, shooting 49.2 percent from the floor. She added 9.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists as the Lancers went 18-12.

"I chose Barry University because I think that it is a great place to develop my student and basketball career," Gascon said.

"Ana is the energizer bunny who keeps on going and going," Baugh said. "She has an incredible work ethic and passion to get better. Averaging nearly a double-double from the guard spot speaks volumes of her effort and ability to score around the rim."

Mahoukou (6-3, Western Nebraska CC, Bias, France) helped lead head coach Chad Gibney's Cougars to a 45-8 record over her two years, including a regional title as a freshman. She averaged 13.0 points and 6.2 rebounds as a sophomore, shooting 58.2 percent from the floor and 70.0 percent from the line.

"I chose to further my career with Barry University and their women's basketball program because it brings together the three essential determining points that are most important to me," Mahoukou said. "First reason, the family side, I think it is one of the most important reasons that most influence our state of mind. Secondly, the access to this private Catholic education, is prestigious by its values and academic recognition to obtain my degree. Lastly is the location. I find that, apart from the things we do, it is important to have opportunities to see other things, to get out of our daily routine and I think Miami is qualified for this type of experience."

"Lidsey is the definition of versatility when it comes to this class," Baugh said. "Her ability to rebound and the start the break, passing, shooting and the comfort ability she has to play on the perimeter and the block make us most excited."

Rainey (5-7, Dr. Phillips HS, Orlando, Fla.) led Anthony Jones' Panthers to the 7A state championship this year. She averaged 13.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists, earning the MVP award at the state tournament. She was named Second-Team All-State by the Florida Association of Basketball Coaches (FABC).

"I chose Barry because I felt like Coach Baugh would be like another mother figure to me and I don't wanna feel homesick," Rainey said. "And also because I feel like I can shine and show my talent at Barry."

"Rainey is a dynamic guard who brings in athleticism to our team that we really enjoy with our fast pace," Baugh said. "Her defensive intensity will create havoc for the opposing team along with her ability to shoot the ball."

Ingram (5-9, St. Andrew's HS, Masahantucket, Conn.) spent a year at St. Andrew's School after matriculating at Norwich Free Academy. She averaged 11.points and seven rebounds.

Barry is in a great conference for basketball and a great location well," Ingram said. "Barry will give me the best opportunity to thrive both on and off the court."

"We are exciting about Anajah and her ability to grow here as a student-athlete," Baugh said. "She has the ability to play multiple positions, as an aggressive rebounder and bully to the rim," Baugh said.

Holliday (6-1, Wekiva HS, Apopka, Fla.) is a big presence in the post after an outstanding career at Wekiva High under coach Tommie Butts. She led the Mustangs to the state semifinals all four years, including a runner up spot in 2022. The Mustangs went 99-21 in her career, including 25-3 as a senior as she averaged 12.1 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocked shots per contest.

"I choose Barry because of the people, campus size and location," Holliday said.

"K'Nari brings a size to our team that cannot be stopped," Baugh said. "Her back-to-the-basket ability to bang and 15-footer make her a matchup nightmare," Baugh said.