WBB: Cyclones sign JUCO’s top scorer to 2018 recruiting class

Head coach Bill Fennelly calls out to the Cyclones at the Oklahoma game on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017, at Hilton Coliseum in Ames. Photo by: Lani Tons

The following is a press release courtesy of Iowa State Athletics Communications.

AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State women’s basketball program and head coach Bill Fennelly announced Thursday an addition to the 2018 signing class, as Jade Thurmon signed on to play for the Cyclones. With the signing of Thurmon, Iowa State now has four commitments in its 2018 class with Maddie Frederick, Ashley Joens and Morgan Kane all signed on to compete for the Cyclones next season.

“We are excited to add Jade to our recruiting class,” Fennelly said. She is a dynamic athlete who can really put pressure on an opponent at both ends of the floor. Jade had a tremendous season at Kilgore College and we look forward to her joining the Iowa State family.”

Thurmon is a 5-8 guard who hails from Ferris, Texas, but has spent the last two seasons at Kilgore College in Kilgore, Texas. Last season, she led the nation in scoring, averaging 23.3 points per game at the JUCO level. She also added 6.8 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. For her efforts in 2017-18, she was selected as an NJCAA First-Team All-American, a WBCA All-American and an All-Conference and All-Region honoree. In her freshman campaign, she also earned Freshman of the Year honors along with All-Conference and All-Region accolades. She will have two years of eligibility with Iowa State after playing two seasons at Kilgore.

Prior to the addition of Thurmon, Iowa State’s class ranked 15th nationally, marking the second time the Cyclones have secured a top-15 class in the last four years.

From Dave Neely, a recruiting analyst:

“I will scout and evaluate 80-85 JUCO teams each year, and Jade Thurmon is one of the most skilled and fun guards I watched all year. Her motor runs high on both ends of the court. Jade has the ability to create her own shot on the perimeter, or she can take it to the basket and finish, or pass for an assist. She just has a good feel for the game and I love her demeanor on the court. I look forward to watching her at the next level.”

2018 Recruiting Class

• Maddie Frederick, G, 6-0, Tipp City, Ohio, Tippecanoe High School

• Ashley Joens, G, 5-9, Iowa City, Iowa, City High School

• Morgan Kane, F, 6-3, Riverton, Utah, Riverton High School

• Jade Thurmon, G, 5-8, Ferris, Texas, Kilgore College