UNM women's basketball inks Top-20 2018 class

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The University of New Mexico women’s basketball program, coach Mike Bradbury and his coaching staff have put together a talented 2018 recruiting class for Wednesday’s signing day, including a top-75 ranked player, to help bolster a program already brimming with talent.
 
“I am extremely pleased with the 2018 class we’ve signed,” Bradbury said. “We continue to recruit the most talented and suitable players to help us compete at the highest level. The length and athleticism we are bringing into the program will allow us to really defend, rebound, and run. Overall, I believe this group can be very special for our future success.”
 
UNM’s 2018 class is ranked No. 19 by ESPNW/HoopGurlz – and is the top school not in a Power 5 conference. The Lobos’ 2018 class was also ranked 15th in the nation by Preferred Athlete Scouting Service (PASS). 
 UNM 2018 Women’s Basketball Recruiting Class 

Jayla Everett
5-11, Guard
St. Louis, Missouri – Kirkwood High School
Dan Olson Ranking: No. 62
Everett averaged 17 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.0 steals per game for Kirkwood last season, leading the team to the Class 5A Missouri state championship – scoring a game-high 26 points in the title game. She played on the Nike EYBL circuit team Missouri Phenom this past summer.
What Bradbury says:
“Jayla is an athletic combo guard with tremendous playmaking ability. She is explosive off the dribble with a knack to finish with great body control. Her court vision and unselfish play will translate well into our system.”
 Bre’Asiajah Mathews
6-0, Guard/Forward
Dallas, Texas – Lakeview Centennial High School
Dan Olson Ranking: No. 194
Mathews averaged 18.4, 9.6 rebounds and 2.9 steals per game at Lakeview Centennial High School last season. She is a three-time All-District First Team recipient and won the District MVP as a junior.  She competed on the Adidas AAU circuit with Urban Heroes Elite this past summer.
What Bradbury says:
“Bre is a left-handed scorer with a lot of versatility. She really sprints the lanes and finishes well in transition. She is a quick leaper that can rebound the ball to create more possessions for us.”
 Shaiquel McGruder
6-1, Forward
Trotwood, Ohio – Trotwood-Madison High School
Dan Olson Ranking: No. 121
McGruder averaged 11.7 points and 11.1 rebounds per game for Trotwood-Madison High School last season. She’s led the team to two consecutive Greater Western Ohio Conference titles and was named East Division Player of the Year and Second Team All-Ohio. She played for Sports City U program out of Ohio this past summer.
What Bradbury says:
“Shai is an athletic post who is a force around the rim. She’s a big-time rebounder who you have to have a body on at all times. Offensive put backs and layups in transition are how she will contribute right away.”
 Ni’Asia McIntosh
6-1, Forward
Gallup, N.M. – New Mexico Junior College
Dan Olson JC Ranking: No. 33
McIntosh averaged 8.9 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals per contest for New Mexico Junior College last season, helping the team to a 21-7 record (currently, she’s averaging 17 points through the first two games this season as she leads the Thunderbirds). At Gallup High School, McIntosh averaged 23 points and 19 rebounds per game during her four-year career.
What Bradbury says:
“Ni’Asia is an up-tempo player that can be a rim runner in transition. She has the ability to guard multiple positions. Her double-double efforts will continue to help us rebound and finish in the paint.”
 Quincy Noble
5-10, Guard
McKinney, Texas – McKinney High School
Dan Olson Ranking: No. 210
Noble averaged 17 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.0 steals and hit 42 3-pointers last season for McKinney High School. She’s a three-time first-team all-district player and was named to the Texas Girls Coaches Association Class 5A All-State First Team. She also won an AAU Adidas national championship this past summer with Texas Elite.
What Bradbury says:
“Q is an extremely accurate 3-point threat that fits the way we play. She brings a ton of energy and determination to the floor. Her long wingspan will allow her to be active in our defense and press.”