4-star guard Jaylah Lampley commits to top-ranked SEC college: Reports
Jaylah Lampley, a four-star prospect, committed to Mississippi State on Tuesday night following her August visit to Starkville. The 6-foot-2 guard from Lawrence Central in Indianapolis gave her nod to the Bulldogs after analyzing all the offers she has at hand.
State offered Lampley, ranked 38th in the Class of 2025 by ESPN, on July 15. She also has offers from Louisville, Ole Miss, Rutgers, Georgia and Cal.
According to the Indianapolis Star, Mississippi State coach Sam Purcell mistakenly thought Lampley was in the 2026 class. After recognizing the mistake, the third-year coach renewed the school's contact with her as well as the scholarship offer late in the AAU season.
Her official visit to Starkville changed everything.
"After the first night of the visit, I knew it was home; I had to wait and visit the other schools to give them a chance, but MSU felt like home as soon as I stepped on campus,” Lampley said.
But that's not the only reason Lampley preferred the Bulldogs over Louisville or Rutgers.
“What made me choose Mississippi State was how amazing the coaching staff was, especially on my visit,” Lampley told the Maroon and White Daily.
Sam Purcell has roped in two four-star prospects in a week.
Jaylah Lampley one of two four-star prospects Mississippi State landed within days
There are about three weeks before the Mississippi State women's basketball team will be back in action; however, State coach Sam Purcell is on a commitment spree that is strengthening the team big time.
Jaylah Lampley is a big addition sure to boost the team. She has over 1,276 points as the all-time leading scorer for Lawrence Central. As a junior, she led her team to its first state championship and boasted 445 rebounds, 152 assists and 148 steals.
Besides Lampley, four-star prospect Madison Francis also accepted an offer from the Bulldogs. Hailing from Lancaster, New York, the 6-1 forward is ranked 33rd nationally.
Sam Purcell is recruiting top talent across the country. How the added strength will play out for Mississippi State is still to be seen.
The Bulldogs tip off their 2024-25 season on Nov. 7. The national signing period begins next month.