STARKVILLE – Mississippi State women’s basketball has officially completed its 2025 national early signing period, ushering in a new class that is poised to uplift the program’s ambitions under Head Coach Sam Purcell.
### A Promising Future
“Our staff has done an incredible job in identifying and targeting players who fit the culture we’ve established here,” Coach Purcell stated. “This talented class is more than capable of meeting the high expectations we have for them over the next four years. I take immense pride in how we approached this recruiting period.”
Purcell emphasized that this trio is composed not only of outstanding basketball players but also of individuals of high character, instilled with a strong work ethic by their families. “During recruitment, they expressed genuine excitement about joining the Starkville community and Mississippi State. They felt that women’s basketball matters here, and that’s not just lip service—it’s a standard we have set.”
### Continued Excellence in Recruiting
With a reputation as an elite recruiter, Coach Purcell has once again demonstrated his and his staff’s commitment to securing top-tier talent. The upcoming 2025 class marks the third consecutive signing class ranked among the top 25 under his leadership.
National media outlets and scouting services have recognized Mississippi State’s 2025 class, which is currently ranked 10th in ESPN’s Top-25 Recruiting Class Rankings. This is the second-best ranking in program history, surpassed only by the sixth-ranked 2019 class.
“Coach Purcell is set to bring in a group that showcases significant length, athleticism, and energy to Starkville, ideal for competing in the SEC,” noted Shane Laflin, Director of Premier Basketball Report. “This roster will enable Purcell to adopt bigger lineups and enhance the pace of play with added defensive intensity next season.”
### Key Additions
The 2025 class welcomes three prospects ranked in the espnW HoopGurlz top 100, bringing Coach Purcell’s total to seven such players signed during his tenure at Mississippi State. Notably, Mississippi State is one of only 13 programs nationwide to secure three top-100 prospects for 2025.
The first commit was Madison Francis, a 6-2 forward from Lancaster Central High School in New York. Francis is ranked 20th overall, 6th among forwards, and is the top-rated prospect from New York according to ON3. She is also recognized as the highest-rated signee to date under Purcell.
In her junior season, Francis averaged an impressive 29.0 points, 13.1 rebounds, 5.7 steals, and 5.1 assists, leading her team to a NYSPHSAA Class AAA Title. She was one of 12 athletes selected for the USA U18 National Team and claimed a gold medal at the 2024 FIBA U18 Women’s AmeriCup Championship.
### Standout Performers
Next is Jaylah Lampley, a 6-1 guard from Lawrence Central High School in Indianapolis. She stands at No. 38 overall and is the second-rated prospect in Indiana, making her the highest-rated recruit for Purcell yet. Lampley was instrumental in leading her team to the 2024 IHSAA Class 4A State Championship, averaging 18.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game. Her talent and performance earned her the MaxPreps Indiana High School Girls Basketball Player of the Year title for 2023-24.
The final signing during this early period is Nataliyah Gray, a 6-3 forward from Alief Taylor High School in Houston, Texas. Ranked 95th overall and sixth in Texas by espnW HoopGurlz, Gray was Purcell’s first commitment for the class. Throughout her high school career, she has averaged 20.7 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks and has already surpassed the 2,000-point milestone and 1,000 rebounds mark by her junior season.
### Conclusion
As Mississippi State women’s basketball advances with this talented new class, it is clear that the future looks incredibly bright. For the latest updates, follow their journey on social media @HailStateWBK.
MISSISSIPPI STATE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL 2025 SIGNING CLASS
– Jaylah Lampley – 6-1 Guard, Lawrence Central High School, Indianapolis, IN
– Madison Francis – 6-2 Forward, Lancaster Central High School, Lancaster, NY
– Nataliyah Gray – 6-3 Forward, Alief Taylor High School, Houston, TX
