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Warhawks Add Three Highly Rated Prospects to 2023 Signing Class

Warhawks Add Three Highly Rated Prospects to 2023 Signing Class

Women's Basketball Nov 09
The University of Louisiana Monroe women's basketball team added three high school standouts to its 2023 signing class during the early period of National Signing Day, head coach Brooks Williams announced Wednesday. In her fourth season leading the Warhawks, Williams adds yet another notable signing class, this time with nationally ranked status. The Warhawk signees include 5-foot-8 combo guard Mikaylah Manley, 6-3 center Faith Acker and 6-1 forward Jaida O'Conner.
 
"We are thrilled about signing these three high school prospects," Williams said. "Not only are all three major impact players, but they are also incredible people. We have watched all three of them impact every program they have been a part of. This is a big day for Warhawk Women's Basketball."
 
MIKAYLAH MANLEY
COMBO GUARD
LAKE CHARLES, LA. | BARBE HS
 
Mikaylah Manley, a 5-foot-8 combo guard from Barbe High School, announced her commitment in early spring. Under the direction of head coach Trey DiGiglia, Mikaylah averaged 18.6 points and 11.3 rebounds per game. Manley has played a vital role in the rebuilding of the Bucs girls' basketball program.
 
"I have watched Mikaylah since she was a young player," Williams said. "I knew the first time I saw her that she was going to be very special. It's been fun to watch her come into her own both on and off the court. She has a kind heart and a talent that is as special as they come. Her feel for the game, bottom of the net shooting, stop and pop pull-ups, rebounding talent and ability to play multiple positions on the perimeter are going to make her an impact player for our program. We truly believe her best basketball is ahead of her."
 
Manley, a Lake Charles, Louisiana, standout who is ranked seventh in the 2023 signing class by Louisiana Girl's Report and a 3-star prospect by Premier Basketball Report, is a two-time all-state performer and District 3-5A's reigning Most Valuable Player.
 
She played summer basketball with the Lake City Pride under Coach Terrance Cahee. Well-known across the region for the program that he built in Southwest Louisiana, Coach Cahee is now a resident of Monroe where he is the head football coach at Wossman High School.
 
Warhawk guards, Aasia Sam and Myca Trail, are former members of the Lake City Pride program and former teammates of Manley. Sam, Trail and Manley will team up again for the Warhawks in the fall of 2023.
 
"I'm so ready to get to Monroe," Mikaylah said. "I'm ready to play the game that I love for the Warhawks. I know ULM is the right choice for me because of the coaching staff and their vibes. They love their players on and off the court and made me feel the same during the recruiting process. I can't wait to get to work and allow them to help me improve my skills for the next level."
 
FAITH ACKER
CENTER
WINNSBORO, TEXAS | WINNSBORO HS
 
Faith Acker, a Winnsboro, Texas, native, was recently named a top center in Texas High School Girls Basketball by Lone Star Preps. The 6-3 standout averages a double-double for the Raiders, collecting 18.4 points and 10.4 rebounds per game.
 
"Faith has been a top target for us not long after we arrived in Monroe," Williams said. "We love Faith's game – everything about it. She comes from incredible programs both in high school and AAU. She has won a lot of games and has a different type of toughness in the paint. She has an ability to score and has an understanding and feel for the game that is special. Faith is a huge addition for the Warhawks and will impact us immediately."
 
Acker and the Winnsboro Raiders have competed in back-to-back state championships and are looking to reappear in 2023, behind the efforts of the All-State Defensive Player of the Year and three-time all-state selection. Winnsboro will look to defend its district championship as well, and Faith will look to four-peat as the Most Valuable Player (2020, 2021 and 2022).
 
Teamed up with the nation's number one player, Mikaylah Williams (LSU signee), Acker was the starting center for the Under Armour sponsored and nationally recognized travel organization, Mavs Elite led by Ed Durham out of Arkansas.
 
"I am extremely blessed and excited to be a part of the women's basketball team at ULM," Acker said. "The relationship I have with the coaching staff feels like family and that is ultimately why I chose to further my playing career there. I'm thankful for my parents for the many sacrifices over the years and for all others who have been a part of my journey. See you soon, Warhawk Nation."
 
Acker is a 3-star prospect by Premier Basketball Report.
 
JAIDA O'CONNER
FORWARD
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA. | CLASSEN SAS HS
 
The final piece for the Warhawks in the 2023 early signing period is Jaida O'Conner, a versatile 6-1 forward. O'Conner is a prolific scorer and rebounder who ranks sixth in the 2023 Class at her position, according to ESPN Hoop Gurlz and is listed as a top five player in the state of Oklahoma in the 2023 Class by Prep Girls Hoops Oklahoma. She is rated as a 3.5-star prospect by Premier Basketball Report.
 
"Jaida is a special talent," Williams said. "She is a high-level player, scorer and defender who has a high motor and is a magnet to the ball. Some players just naturally pursue the ball. She has that gift on the boards. Jaida has the ability to play and guard multiple positions. We've enjoyed getting to know Jaida and feel like she can impact our program right away in a variety of ways. We can't wait for Jaida O'Conner to be in Monroe."
 
The Classen SAS standout is a back-to-back state championship contender where she and her team sealed the deal as 2022 State Champions. Graduating several NCAA Division I players, Jaida will look to fill a greater role this upcoming season. Averaging 10 points and six rebounds this past season, O'Conner and the Comets remain unbeaten on their homecourt and have only lost five games in her career thus far.
 
O'Conner also was a member of the nationally recognized, Mavs Elite along with ULM signee Faith Acker. She produced significantly and played multiple positions for the Mavs while competing on the Under Armour circuit.
 
O'Conner and her family are not new to collegiate athletics, as her brother Jaylen is a former basketball player himself. Having witnessed his transition from high school to college, Jaida feels fully prepared for what's next.
 
"I'm so excited to be a part of the ULM program," she said. "I'm thankful for the relationship I have with the amazing coaches and future teammates at ULM. I can't wait to get on the court and get to work to make ULM a champion. I owe a lot of people who have helped me get here. Thank you to my coaches, family, and teammates. It's almost go time!"
 
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