University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Southern Miss WBB Signs Six
11/13/2019 4:22:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The Lady Eagles had six future Lady Eagles ink their NLI on National Signing Day.
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -Â Joye Lee-McNelis and the Southern Miss women's basketball program had six future Lady Eagles sign their National Letters of Intent on National Signing Day, Wednesday, Nov. 13.Â
Southern Miss signed six new Lady Eagles on National Signing Day, which included two players from Florida, three from Mississippi and one from Louisiana. The Lady Eagles brought in two centers and four guards.
"I along with my staff are excited to announce our 2019-20 recruiting class," said Head Coach Joye Lee-McNelis. "We have signed six young ladies who we believe can make a difference in our program. There is a common thread that bonds the six together - State Championships. All of them have experienced winning at the highest level of their high school careers. Sacrifice, teamwork, work ethic, and discipline are just a few of the adjectives that are used to describe the character of this recruiting class. Each of them understands that success only comes when opportunity presents itself and one is determined to go get it. The lone junior college signee Savannah Slade brings National Championship experience to this group. Each of them believe in the future of Lady Eagle Basketball and are willing to work to leave a legacy as one of the most successful recruiting classes in the history of the program."
Melyia Grayson | 6'3" Center | Hattiesburg, Miss. | Hattiesburg High School
"This recruiting class is headlined by local product of Hattiesburg High, Melyia Grayson. The three-sport, 6'4" athlete was recently named to the Clarion Ledger's Dandy Dozen and has lead Hattiesburg High to three State Championship Tournaments, winning one State title. Melyia has been a priority for our recruiting since she started her 10th grade year. It has been fun watching Melyia grow as a person and a basketball player. Her confidence and skill set has developed over these years thanks to her parents, and her coaches Coach Jackson and Coach Wesco. She has competed with SME over the summers to enhance her game while playing against some of the nation's elite. Melyia brings the much need size with great hands and a soft touch to the Lady Eagles. Meliya can score the ball. We have watched her face triple teams and go up and get the ball and finish the shot. The physical play and speed of the game will the the biggest adjustment she will face. Melyia has been in our camps, locker room, games and practices over the years. She understands our demands and how we believe that the time in our program will prepare one for life. Melyia, welcome to the Lady Eagle family!"
Brikayla Gray | 5'8" Guard | Taylorsville, Miss. | West Jones High School
"Local star #2 is Brikayla Gray from West Jones High School. Brikayla led her high school team to two State Championship games.  All-State Brikayla Gray has a high motor that makes her a defensive stopper and a dominating factor on the glass. This skill set leads her team to easy scoring opportunities. Brikayla is a three-sport athlete that has enjoyed success in every sport. Brikayla's smile on and off the court explains her passion for life. We are delighted to have Brikayla join our Lady Eagle family. Bri has been in our camps and at our games and knows that we demand the best out of our players. Bri is expected to help fill the void we will miss from senior Alarie Mayze. Thank you, Brikayla, for making Lady Eagle basketball your family!"
Rose Warren | 5'9" Guard | Puckett, Miss. | Puckett High School
"Local star #3 is Rose Warren from Puckett High School. Rose led her team to three State Championship tournaments. Rose is a dual-sport athlete that has enjoyed success in both sports. She has been named to the All-State team in volleyball and basketball. Rose has played point guard in high school and we believe that will better prepare her to enjoy success in college. She has had to handle the pressure of very good on-ball defenders while leading her team and being the No. 1 scoring option. She has played in the summer for MTP-Most Want It who has competed against the highest level of competition in tournaments in the southeast. Rose brings the ability to shoot the ball from long range. Her quick release and ability to pass the ball will make her an offensive threat. Rose has developed her game through being a gym rat and her genuine love for the game.  Rose, we welcome you to the Lady Eagle family!"
Sha'Kahia Warmsley | 5'8" Guard | Mansfield, La. | Mansfield High School
Rated as the #1 point guard in Louisiana, the Mansfield High School star chooses the University of Southern Mississippi. Sha'Kahia Warmsley. We are thrilled to have Sha'Kahia bring her point guard skills to the Lady Eagles. According to her high school Coach Kendra Neal, former star basketball player at Louisiana Tech, Kahia is the hardest working player she has ever coached. At Southern Miss we want workers that understand nothing is given and everything is earned. Kahia's skill set is similar to Shonte Hailes. We are expecting Kahia to compete and help replace Dump as she has been the go-to player for the Lady Eagles. Kahia has played at a highly competitive level with the Louisiana Lightning and Urban Heroes during the summer months. This level of competition will help her in the adjustment to college. To make an impact as a freshman, we need Sha'Kahia to continue to grow in the area of vocal leadership. Point guards must be the loudest. Welcome "Shak" to our Family.
Emerielle James | 5'9" Guard | Orlando, Fla. | Wekiva High School
"The top player in Florida chooses Southern Miss. One of the best in the state of Florida and in the Southeast Region, Emerielle James, says I am coming to help win championships at Southern Miss. Emmy has led her team, Wekiva High School, to the State Tournament while winning back-to-back State Championships. Coach Tommie Butts has challenged Emmy to lead on and off the court so their team can be a 3-peat for the State Championship. Emmy's skill set is special. She is a combo guard that can pass it, shoot it, and defend. Her offensive feel for the game allows her to distribute the ball on time to scorers first and then she scores it in multiple ways. Emmy has played on the EYBL circuit for Coach Kim Powell and The Essense. This is the same club that former Lady Eagle star and current WNBA player Jamierra Faulkner played for. This Nike Team plays at the highest level on the summer circuit and competes for a National Championship."
"Her impact does not stop on the basketball court. Emmy started a foundation, the "Home Foundation and Acting on Your Ideas". Her foundation is founded on the basis that "Trouble don't last long, it just feels long while it last—Emmy James. This foundation impacts the community in which Emmy was raised. A young lady with this vision and commitment to impact lives brings much excitement to our program. Emmy will become part of the community involvement as soon as she walks on our campus in the Summer of 2020. We are excited to welcome Emmy James to our Lady Eagle family!"
Savannah Slade | 6'3" Center | Freeport, Fla. | South Walton High School | Gulf Coast State College
"The Number 1 Junior College team in the country - Gulf Coast State College's 6'3" center Savannah Slade choose Southern Miss.  Savannah led her high school team, South Walton, to two State Championships. Savannah was named to Florida's All-State Team while being the force inside for longtime successful Coach Kevin Craig. Savannah was one of the best to play in the panhandle which led her to many recruiting opportunities. Savannah chose to go to the University of North Florida before transferring to Gulf Coast. Last season at Gulf Coast she played with some of the nation's best while helping them win another National Championship. Savannah, Coach Rooney, and her teammates only expect to win another National Championship. This season, Savannah has played an important role in their start to an undefeated season. We are fired up to have Savannah as a part of our Lady Eagle family. She brings the understanding of what it takes to win a National Championship to our program. Savannah is versatile in her skill set. She can score with her back to the basket, facing the basket, off the bounce and shoot the 3-ball. Also, she will add to our transition game with her ability to run the floor and rebound. We welcome Savannah to the Lady Eagle family!"
"We understand that there will be a transition period for each of these young ladies. However, we believe that with the returning players, redshirt Lauren Gross and this recruiting class, the future of our program will be filled with much excitement."
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Southern Miss signed six new Lady Eagles on National Signing Day, which included two players from Florida, three from Mississippi and one from Louisiana. The Lady Eagles brought in two centers and four guards.
"I along with my staff are excited to announce our 2019-20 recruiting class," said Head Coach Joye Lee-McNelis. "We have signed six young ladies who we believe can make a difference in our program. There is a common thread that bonds the six together - State Championships. All of them have experienced winning at the highest level of their high school careers. Sacrifice, teamwork, work ethic, and discipline are just a few of the adjectives that are used to describe the character of this recruiting class. Each of them understands that success only comes when opportunity presents itself and one is determined to go get it. The lone junior college signee Savannah Slade brings National Championship experience to this group. Each of them believe in the future of Lady Eagle Basketball and are willing to work to leave a legacy as one of the most successful recruiting classes in the history of the program."
Melyia Grayson | 6'3" Center | Hattiesburg, Miss. | Hattiesburg High School
"This recruiting class is headlined by local product of Hattiesburg High, Melyia Grayson. The three-sport, 6'4" athlete was recently named to the Clarion Ledger's Dandy Dozen and has lead Hattiesburg High to three State Championship Tournaments, winning one State title. Melyia has been a priority for our recruiting since she started her 10th grade year. It has been fun watching Melyia grow as a person and a basketball player. Her confidence and skill set has developed over these years thanks to her parents, and her coaches Coach Jackson and Coach Wesco. She has competed with SME over the summers to enhance her game while playing against some of the nation's elite. Melyia brings the much need size with great hands and a soft touch to the Lady Eagles. Meliya can score the ball. We have watched her face triple teams and go up and get the ball and finish the shot. The physical play and speed of the game will the the biggest adjustment she will face. Melyia has been in our camps, locker room, games and practices over the years. She understands our demands and how we believe that the time in our program will prepare one for life. Melyia, welcome to the Lady Eagle family!"
The hometown kid! She stays Ballin' in the 'Burg!
— Lady Eagle Women's Basketball (@SouthernMissWBB) November 13, 2019
Welcome to the Lady Eagles family, Melyia!#NationalSigningDay 🦅🏀📝🥳 pic.twitter.com/o6uJgMDTyX
Brikayla Gray | 5'8" Guard | Taylorsville, Miss. | West Jones High School
"Local star #2 is Brikayla Gray from West Jones High School. Brikayla led her high school team to two State Championship games.  All-State Brikayla Gray has a high motor that makes her a defensive stopper and a dominating factor on the glass. This skill set leads her team to easy scoring opportunities. Brikayla is a three-sport athlete that has enjoyed success in every sport. Brikayla's smile on and off the court explains her passion for life. We are delighted to have Brikayla join our Lady Eagle family. Bri has been in our camps and at our games and knows that we demand the best out of our players. Bri is expected to help fill the void we will miss from senior Alarie Mayze. Thank you, Brikayla, for making Lady Eagle basketball your family!"
Pine Belt proud! 🌲
— Lady Eagle Women's Basketball (@SouthernMissWBB) November 13, 2019
Welcome to the Lady Eagle family, Brikayla! #NationalSigningDay 🦅📝🏀🥳 pic.twitter.com/B0QZMY7vLt
Rose Warren | 5'9" Guard | Puckett, Miss. | Puckett High School
"Local star #3 is Rose Warren from Puckett High School. Rose led her team to three State Championship tournaments. Rose is a dual-sport athlete that has enjoyed success in both sports. She has been named to the All-State team in volleyball and basketball. Rose has played point guard in high school and we believe that will better prepare her to enjoy success in college. She has had to handle the pressure of very good on-ball defenders while leading her team and being the No. 1 scoring option. She has played in the summer for MTP-Most Want It who has competed against the highest level of competition in tournaments in the southeast. Rose brings the ability to shoot the ball from long range. Her quick release and ability to pass the ball will make her an offensive threat. Rose has developed her game through being a gym rat and her genuine love for the game.  Rose, we welcome you to the Lady Eagle family!"
📍Puckett ➡️📍Hattiesburg
— Lady Eagle Women's Basketball (@SouthernMissWBB) November 13, 2019
Welcome to the Lady Eagle family, Rose Warren! #NationalSigningDay 🦅📝🏀🥳 pic.twitter.com/dJf9IqPV7F
Sha'Kahia Warmsley | 5'8" Guard | Mansfield, La. | Mansfield High School
Rated as the #1 point guard in Louisiana, the Mansfield High School star chooses the University of Southern Mississippi. Sha'Kahia Warmsley. We are thrilled to have Sha'Kahia bring her point guard skills to the Lady Eagles. According to her high school Coach Kendra Neal, former star basketball player at Louisiana Tech, Kahia is the hardest working player she has ever coached. At Southern Miss we want workers that understand nothing is given and everything is earned. Kahia's skill set is similar to Shonte Hailes. We are expecting Kahia to compete and help replace Dump as she has been the go-to player for the Lady Eagles. Kahia has played at a highly competitive level with the Louisiana Lightning and Urban Heroes during the summer months. This level of competition will help her in the adjustment to college. To make an impact as a freshman, we need Sha'Kahia to continue to grow in the area of vocal leadership. Point guards must be the loudest. Welcome "Shak" to our Family.
From the Boot to the 'Burg!
— Lady Eagle Women's Basketball (@SouthernMissWBB) November 13, 2019
Welcome to the Lady Eagle family, Sha'Kahia! #SMTTT#NationalSigningDay 🦅📝🏀🥳 pic.twitter.com/FpuNfAhq7Y
Emerielle James | 5'9" Guard | Orlando, Fla. | Wekiva High School
"The top player in Florida chooses Southern Miss. One of the best in the state of Florida and in the Southeast Region, Emerielle James, says I am coming to help win championships at Southern Miss. Emmy has led her team, Wekiva High School, to the State Tournament while winning back-to-back State Championships. Coach Tommie Butts has challenged Emmy to lead on and off the court so their team can be a 3-peat for the State Championship. Emmy's skill set is special. She is a combo guard that can pass it, shoot it, and defend. Her offensive feel for the game allows her to distribute the ball on time to scorers first and then she scores it in multiple ways. Emmy has played on the EYBL circuit for Coach Kim Powell and The Essense. This is the same club that former Lady Eagle star and current WNBA player Jamierra Faulkner played for. This Nike Team plays at the highest level on the summer circuit and competes for a National Championship."
"Her impact does not stop on the basketball court. Emmy started a foundation, the "Home Foundation and Acting on Your Ideas". Her foundation is founded on the basis that "Trouble don't last long, it just feels long while it last—Emmy James. This foundation impacts the community in which Emmy was raised. A young lady with this vision and commitment to impact lives brings much excitement to our program. Emmy will become part of the community involvement as soon as she walks on our campus in the Summer of 2020. We are excited to welcome Emmy James to our Lady Eagle family!"
From the palm trees🌴 to the pines🌲
— Lady Eagle Women's Basketball (@SouthernMissWBB) November 13, 2019
Welcome to the Lady Eagle family, Emerielle! #NationalSigningDay 🦅📝🏀🥳 pic.twitter.com/RYxL6zmI5g
Savannah Slade | 6'3" Center | Freeport, Fla. | South Walton High School | Gulf Coast State College
"The Number 1 Junior College team in the country - Gulf Coast State College's 6'3" center Savannah Slade choose Southern Miss.  Savannah led her high school team, South Walton, to two State Championships. Savannah was named to Florida's All-State Team while being the force inside for longtime successful Coach Kevin Craig. Savannah was one of the best to play in the panhandle which led her to many recruiting opportunities. Savannah chose to go to the University of North Florida before transferring to Gulf Coast. Last season at Gulf Coast she played with some of the nation's best while helping them win another National Championship. Savannah, Coach Rooney, and her teammates only expect to win another National Championship. This season, Savannah has played an important role in their start to an undefeated season. We are fired up to have Savannah as a part of our Lady Eagle family. She brings the understanding of what it takes to win a National Championship to our program. Savannah is versatile in her skill set. She can score with her back to the basket, facing the basket, off the bounce and shoot the 3-ball. Also, she will add to our transition game with her ability to run the floor and rebound. We welcome Savannah to the Lady Eagle family!"
FLA ➡️ MISS
— Lady Eagle Women's Basketball (@SouthernMissWBB) November 13, 2019
Welcome to the Lady Eagle family, Savannah! #SMTTT#NationalSigningDay 🦅📝🏀🥳 pic.twitter.com/7Vw7kNut4O
"We understand that there will be a transition period for each of these young ladies. However, we believe that with the returning players, redshirt Lauren Gross and this recruiting class, the future of our program will be filled with much excitement."
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Players Mentioned
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