University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
McNelis Adds Pair of Transfers; Jones to Return
4/13/2022 4:47:00 PM | Women's Basketball
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Southern Miss women's basketball announced the signing of a pair of transfers in Femi Funeus and Lani Cornfield. Head coach Joye Lee-McNelis also announced on Wednesday that Kelsey Jones will return for her final year of eligibility.
"We are thrilled about adding Femi and Lani to our program," McNelis said. "To add Femi and Lani, while getting Kelsey Jones back for a sixth-year is a huge boast, as we look to build on the success of last season."
Funeus played in 31 games in three seasons at Seton Hall, having a career-high 21 points with eight rebounds against Kennesaw State and was a two-time member of the BIG EAST All-Academic Team.
"Femi has battled some injuries during her time at Seton Hall, but we're looking forward to having her back at full strength and adding another key piece to our post position," McNelis added.
Cornfield joins the Lady Eagles after two seasons at Northwest Florida State College where she was a NJCAA National Champion during her freshman campaign. She started in 25 games this past season, dishing out a team-leading 88 assists.
"Lani is a pass-first point-guard that fits our team and shoots the ball with a high efficiency. She gives our team added dimensions on both ends of the floor," said McNelis of Cornfield.
Getting a year of eligibility back from the COVID-19 pandemic, Kelsey Jones returns for a sixth-year with the program, and is on pace to become the 30th Lady Eagle to join the 1,000 point club, currently sitting at 935 career points.
"As I prepare for my 19th season as the head coach of the Lady Eagles, I am jumping for joy at the possibilities that next season brings. We return so much from last season and adding these two phenomenal young ladies while having the offseason to develop our younger players makes this a great time to be a part of Lady Eagle basketball."
"We are thrilled about adding Femi and Lani to our program," McNelis said. "To add Femi and Lani, while getting Kelsey Jones back for a sixth-year is a huge boast, as we look to build on the success of last season."
Funeus played in 31 games in three seasons at Seton Hall, having a career-high 21 points with eight rebounds against Kennesaw State and was a two-time member of the BIG EAST All-Academic Team.
"Femi has battled some injuries during her time at Seton Hall, but we're looking forward to having her back at full strength and adding another key piece to our post position," McNelis added.
Cornfield joins the Lady Eagles after two seasons at Northwest Florida State College where she was a NJCAA National Champion during her freshman campaign. She started in 25 games this past season, dishing out a team-leading 88 assists.
"Lani is a pass-first point-guard that fits our team and shoots the ball with a high efficiency. She gives our team added dimensions on both ends of the floor," said McNelis of Cornfield.
Getting a year of eligibility back from the COVID-19 pandemic, Kelsey Jones returns for a sixth-year with the program, and is on pace to become the 30th Lady Eagle to join the 1,000 point club, currently sitting at 935 career points.
"As I prepare for my 19th season as the head coach of the Lady Eagles, I am jumping for joy at the possibilities that next season brings. We return so much from last season and adding these two phenomenal young ladies while having the offseason to develop our younger players makes this a great time to be a part of Lady Eagle basketball."
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