CHAMPAIGN – Fighting Illini women's basketball and head coach Nancy Fahey announced Wednesday the signing of three student-athletes to National Letters of Intent. Mackenzie Blazek (Franklin, Indiana), J-Naya Ephraim (St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands) and Arieal Scott (Urbana, Illinois) will join the Orange and Blue for the 2018-19 campaign.
"We are extremely excited to welcome these three new members to our Fighting Illini family," head coach Nancy Fahey said. "In the frontcourt, we gain an energetic competitor and top-notch scoring threat in Arieal as well as athleticism, speed, and tenacity from J-Naya. Pairing them with Mackenzie in the backcourt who, at 6-foot-3, uses her length for shot blocking and aggressive rebounding, we are confident that this class will have a strong, positive impact on the future of Illinois women's basketball."
MACKENZIE BLAZEK
6-3 | Forward | Franklin, Indiana | Whiteland Community High School
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
-2017 IBCA Underclass All-State honoree
-2016 IBCA Underclass Large School All-State honoree
-Ranked No. 90 overall by ESPN Hoopgurlz
-Daily Journal 2016-17 Player of the Year
-Averaged 18 points and 13.4 rebounds per game for Whiteland last season
FAHEY'S TAKE: "Mackenzie is a 6-foot-3 ESPN Top 100 post in the 2018 class, and we are thrilled she is joining the Fighting Illini family. Mackenzie is a true 5-player with very good back-to-the-basket skills, and she is an excellent rebounder at both ends of the floor. She is also a very good passer with impressive shooting range, and defensively is a strong shot blocker. Her skill set also goes beyond the court as she excels in the classroom."
MACKENZIE SAYS: "I chose Illinois because it feels like home when I'm on campus. The educational aspect is amazing, and athletically, they have exactly what I was looking for in a college basketball program."
J-NAYA EPHRAIM
5-9 | Guard | St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands | Southern Durham High School
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- Averaged 16.5 points and 10.8 rebounds per game for Southern Durham last season and tallied 16 double-doubles
- Represented the Virgin Islands on both the U16 and U17 National Teams
- NCBCA 2017 First Team All-District
- 2017 Big Eight Conference Player of the Year
- Chose Illinois over Temple and James Madison
FAHEY'S TAKE: "J-Naya is a hard-nosed and gritty guard from North Carolina, who has an extremely high motor and great work ethic. She is great in transition and has an innate ability to get to the rim, knock down the three and make great passes. When you also factor in her athleticism, size and strength, J-Naya can truly be a threat at multiple positions on both ends of the court. We are extremely excited about J-Naya's future with the Illini women's basketball program."
J-NAYA SAYS: "I picked Illinois because they offered me the opportunity to showcase my talents on a big stage, competing in the Big Ten against some of the best talent in the country. When I visited the university, it felt like home and everyone welcomed me with open arms. I love Coach Fahey's vision and that we share the same vision to make Illinois great."
ARIEAL SCOTT
5-9 | Guard | Urbana, Illinois | Urbana High School
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
-2016 IBCA First Team 1A/2A All-State
-No. 39-ranked recruit in the country according to Prospects Nation
-Ranked among the top 100 players in the country by ESPN Hoopgurlz
-Two-time News Gazette All-Area First Team honoree
-Chose Illinois over Missouri, USC and Washington, among others
FAHEY'S TAKE: "We are so excited Arieal made the decision to stay home and represent the University of Illinois. She is also an ESPN Top 100 guard who is competitive, energetic and a true gym rat. Arieal is known for her scoring range and ability, but is a multi-dimensional player, which makes her tough to defend. Her addition to our team will be a huge asset."
ARIEAL SAYS: "I chose Illinois because I feel that the program is heading in the right direction. It is truly a family atmosphere, and there is no place or program I would rather play for than the Fighting Illini."
