University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Women’s Basketball Signs Two on National Signing Day
11/13/2025 1:06:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Bilderback Inks Two of Mississippi's Finest in First Class at Southern Miss
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Southern Miss women's basketball head coach Missy Bilderback signed two top members of the class of 2026 on National Signing Day. Meg Barbour and Jada Gay are rated as some of the state of Mississippi's top prospects in this senior class.
Meg Barbour | Jackson, Miss. | Jackson Prep
A senior at Jackson Preparatory School (Flowood, Miss.), Barbour earned a spot on the MAIS Class 6A All-State Team last season as a junior for the Patriots. She helped Jackson Prep to a 26-7 overall record and an 8-2 district record as the Patriots claimed their second straight MAIS Class 6A Title.
"Meg possesses multiple skills that fit our system," said Bilderback. "She is an excellent shooter but also has the ability to expose matchups inside. She is agile on defense with great length and shot blocking ability. She will come in with a great foundation from her high school and club programs. We are so excited to welcome Meg to our Lady Eagle Family."
Ahead of the 2025-26 season, Barbour was named to Capital Sports' Fantastic 15 Watch List. She averaged 11.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.6 blocks last season for the Patriots. An efficient shooter, she held a 48 percent mark from the floor and a 30 percent mark at three-point distance.
Barbour led Prep with 13 points in last season's Class 6A Championship Game as the team defeated Presbyterian Christian School. Jackson Prep advanced to the overall MAIS Semifinals as well. She helped JPS to a 2024 Class 6A Title as a sophomore as well and plays in the prep circuit for the Nike EYCL AL Southern Starz (Huntsville, Ala.).
She committed to Southern Miss over Louisiana Tech and UAB, among others.
Jada Gay | Starkville, Miss. | Starkville HS
A senior at Starkville HS, Jada Gay is considered one of the top recruits in the state of Mississippi. Gay returned late last season after tearing her ACL as a sophomore and aided Starkville to the MHSAA Class 7A State Championship Game. Ahead of her senior season, she was named to the Capital Sports Fantastic 15.
"Jada is an extremely versatile player with a high motor," said Bilderback. "She can score in multiple ways inside and from the perimeter. Her size and athleticism separate her and will give her the ability to impact our roster immediately. She plays in a great high school and club program and knows how to win. We are thrilled Jada will be in the Black & Gold."
In limited action last season, Gay averaged 12.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 2.0 blocks per game. She returned just in time to lead the Yellowjackets to a district title and well into the playoffs. A highly-coveted recruit, Gay is a top contender for the Clarion-Ledger's Dandy Dozen listings.
In the prep circuit, she plays for the Nike EYCL Mississippi ALL-N. She is the younger sister of current Miami Dolphins and former Mississippi State linebacker Willie Gay.
She committed to Southern Miss over Austin Peay, Charlotte, Florida A&M, Jackson State, Louisiana Tech, Memphis, Middle Tennessee, Mississippi State, South Alabama, UT Martin among others.
Support Southern Miss Women's Basketball
Support Southern Miss women's basketball by purchasing your season tickets today for just $75. Visit smttt.info/WBBTix today to purchase your seats.
Follow The Lady Eagles
Follow the Lady Eagles on Twitter (@SouthernMissWBB), Instagram (@southernmisswbb) or on Facebook (/SouthernMissWBB) to stay up-to-date on Southern Miss women's basketball. Fans can visit Southern Miss.com or download the Southern Miss GameDay app to see full schedules, releases and more.
Meg Barbour | Jackson, Miss. | Jackson Prep
A senior at Jackson Preparatory School (Flowood, Miss.), Barbour earned a spot on the MAIS Class 6A All-State Team last season as a junior for the Patriots. She helped Jackson Prep to a 26-7 overall record and an 8-2 district record as the Patriots claimed their second straight MAIS Class 6A Title.
"Meg possesses multiple skills that fit our system," said Bilderback. "She is an excellent shooter but also has the ability to expose matchups inside. She is agile on defense with great length and shot blocking ability. She will come in with a great foundation from her high school and club programs. We are so excited to welcome Meg to our Lady Eagle Family."
Ahead of the 2025-26 season, Barbour was named to Capital Sports' Fantastic 15 Watch List. She averaged 11.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.6 blocks last season for the Patriots. An efficient shooter, she held a 48 percent mark from the floor and a 30 percent mark at three-point distance.
Barbour led Prep with 13 points in last season's Class 6A Championship Game as the team defeated Presbyterian Christian School. Jackson Prep advanced to the overall MAIS Semifinals as well. She helped JPS to a 2024 Class 6A Title as a sophomore as well and plays in the prep circuit for the Nike EYCL AL Southern Starz (Huntsville, Ala.).
She committed to Southern Miss over Louisiana Tech and UAB, among others.
Jada Gay | Starkville, Miss. | Starkville HS
A senior at Starkville HS, Jada Gay is considered one of the top recruits in the state of Mississippi. Gay returned late last season after tearing her ACL as a sophomore and aided Starkville to the MHSAA Class 7A State Championship Game. Ahead of her senior season, she was named to the Capital Sports Fantastic 15.
"Jada is an extremely versatile player with a high motor," said Bilderback. "She can score in multiple ways inside and from the perimeter. Her size and athleticism separate her and will give her the ability to impact our roster immediately. She plays in a great high school and club program and knows how to win. We are thrilled Jada will be in the Black & Gold."
In limited action last season, Gay averaged 12.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 2.0 blocks per game. She returned just in time to lead the Yellowjackets to a district title and well into the playoffs. A highly-coveted recruit, Gay is a top contender for the Clarion-Ledger's Dandy Dozen listings.
In the prep circuit, she plays for the Nike EYCL Mississippi ALL-N. She is the younger sister of current Miami Dolphins and former Mississippi State linebacker Willie Gay.
She committed to Southern Miss over Austin Peay, Charlotte, Florida A&M, Jackson State, Louisiana Tech, Memphis, Middle Tennessee, Mississippi State, South Alabama, UT Martin among others.
Support Southern Miss Women's Basketball
Support Southern Miss women's basketball by purchasing your season tickets today for just $75. Visit smttt.info/WBBTix today to purchase your seats.
Follow The Lady Eagles
Follow the Lady Eagles on Twitter (@SouthernMissWBB), Instagram (@southernmisswbb) or on Facebook (/SouthernMissWBB) to stay up-to-date on Southern Miss women's basketball. Fans can visit Southern Miss.com or download the Southern Miss GameDay app to see full schedules, releases and more.
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