Mississippi State recruiting: Sam Purcell adds 4-star forward Madison Francis to 2025 class

By Rotsen Rick Tidoy

Modified Oct 17, 2024 18:50 GMT

Madison Francis, a four-star power forward from Lancaster High School in Lancaster, New York, committed to the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Wednesday. She is the third player from the Class of 2025 to commit to Sam Purcell's program.

Purcell has already recruited 4-star prospects Nataliyah Gray and Jaylah Lampley. Gray is considered the No. 95 overall recruit, while Lampley is ranked No. 38.

Francis, a 6-foot-1 forward, is ranked No. 20 by On3 and No. 26 by 247Sports in the 2025 class. She is also the No. 1 player in New York, according to On3.

Francis averaged 29.0 points, 13.1 rebounds, 5.7 steals and 5.1 assists per game last season for Lanchester High School. She chose Mississippi State over Ohio State, Syracuse, Florida, Clemson, Miami, Purdue, Penn State, North Carolina, Florida State, Louisville, Illinois, Arizona State and Michigan State.

Madison Francis talks about signing with Mississippi State

Madison Francis said that coach Sam Purcell was one of the biggest reasons she chose Mississippi State.

"My relationship with Coach Sam Purcell was really special from the start back in 2021," Francis said in an interview with 247Sports. "He didn't just recruit me as a player—he took the time to get to know me as a person, which made a big difference. He listened, put everything on the table, and then gave me and my family the space to decide without any pressure."

She also noted that it was not just basketball that attracted her to the school, as she felt the school could provide her with the best athletic resources and help her with her academic needs.

The signings of Francis, Lampley and Gray are cementing Purcell's reputation as an elite recruiter. As an assistant coach at Louisville, Purcell was hailed as among one of the best recruiters in women's basketball.