Mississippi State women’s hoops to compete in 2024 Cayman Islands Classic

Another non-conference challenge is on the way for Mississippi State in women’s basketball this season.

The Bulldogs announced on Monday that the team will take part in the 2024 Cayman Islands Classic from November 28-30. State will be joined by Notre Dame, Utah, TCU and South Florida in the event with matchups to be announced later this month with State expected to play two games.

It will be a big-time challenge for the Bulldogs no matter the draw as two teams are fresh off of an NCAA Tournament berth with another that played the Bulldogs in the WBIT.

Notre Dame enters the season as one of the favorites to make it to the Final Four as the Fighting Irish bring back freshman All-American Hannah Hidalgo along with Sonia Citron, Olivia Miles, Maddy Westbeld and some strong new additions.

The Fighting Irish made a trip to the Sweet 16 last season, but the program is trying to take the next step under coach Niele Ivy.

Utah also made a run to the NCAA Tournament last season and finished the year 23-11 with a victory in the NCAA Tournament.

TCU is in year two with Mark Campbell after the coach did a tremendous coaching job for the Horned Frogs last season. In the midst of a bevy of injuries and a short roster, TCU won five of the last seven games heading into the WBIT and came down to the wire with State in a 68-61 loss at Humphrey Coliseum in round two.

Campbell has 11 former transfers on his team including star post player 6’7 Sedona Prince returning and newcomers Maddie Scherr from Kentucky and Hailey Van Lith from LSU.

The Bulldogs will be bringing a roster that’s almost completely fresh to the Cayman Islands. State returns starters Jerkaila Jordan and Debreasha Powe as well as reserve center Quanirah Montague back from a season ago and the rest of the team will be hitting the court in maroon and white for the first time.

The 2 ^nd Annual Cayman Islands Classic is State’s third confirmed non-conference showdown. State will also be playing Jacksonville in Orlando, Fla. At the WBCA Showcase on November 24 and will be at Georgia Tech on December 4 for the SEC/ACC Challenge.

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