NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State women's basketball program received National Letters of Intent from three high school seniors on Wednesday.
The class includes Fantasia Baines (South Holland, Ill./Thornwood HS), Jasmine McGinnis-Taylor (Omaha, Neb./Omaha Westside HS) and Kate Bullman (Grayslake, Ill./Grayslake Central HS).
"We are thrilled about our 2020 recruiting class," said head coach Kristen Gillespie. "This versatile trio will provide much needed depth on the perimeter and in the post. They are fantastic student-athletes who will elevate our program."
Fantasia Baines | Forward | 6-1 | South Holland, Ill. | Thornwood HS
- Averaged 19.8 points and 8.8 rebounds per game in her junior season
- Named South Suburban First Team All-Area as well as Honorable Mention All-State
- Played with Meanstreets AAU for Director Eric Armstrong
- Has aspirations to play professionally after her collegiate career
Coach Gillespie on Baines: "Tasia has the ability to impact the game on both sides of the floor at multiple positions. She is a superb student-athlete that has the potential to be a special player."
Jasmine McGinnis-Taylor | Forward | 6-3 | Omaha, Neb. | Omaha Westside HS
- Averaged 9.7 points and 9.7 rebounds per game in her junior year
- Helped lead high school team to three-straight state tournament appearances
- Played Team Factory AAU for Director Brittany Wilson
- Joins current ISU players McKenna Sims and Hannah Kelle who are also from Nebraska. Recent women's basketball standout Simone Goods was also an Omaha-native.
- Plans to major in broadcasting/communications
Coach Gillespie on McGinnis-Taylor: "Jasmine is a back-to-the-basket post that has the skill set to step out on the perimeter and knock down shots. She has just begun to tap into her potential."
Kate Bullman | Forward | 6-2 | Grayslake, Ill. | Grayslake Central HS
- Averaged 14.9 points, 10 rebounds, 3.3 steals and three blocks per game in her junior season
- Received Daily Herald All-Area honors the last two years and earned All-State honorable mention recognition as a junior
- Played AAU for The Truth and director Ryan Haun
- Plans to major in psychology/sports psychology and wants to get into coaching after her collegiate career
Coach Gillespie on Bullman: "Kate is a stretch four who will bring an incredible amount of toughness to our program. She is an intense competitor who can score in a variety of ways and impact the game with her ability to block shots well."
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