Purcell Announces Third ESPNW Top-100 Signee for 2023 Signing Class

STARKVILLE – Mississippi State women's basketball head coach Sam Purcell announced the signing of Quanirah Cherry-Montague to a National Letter of Intent on Tuesday. Cherry-Montague joins Mjracle Sheppard and Jasmine Brown, who signed last week, as part of the Bulldogs 2023 signing class that will join MSU for the 2023-24 season.

The Bulldogs continue to make noise in Coach Purcell's first early signing period as head coach. When the initial class rankings were announced on Nov. 9, MSU had the No. 23 overall recruiting class; however, with the addition of Cherry-Montague on Tuesday, the class ranking is sure to improve when updated. Cherry-Montague becomes the third espnW HoopGurlz Top 100 prospect to sign with Mississippi State, joining Mjracle Sheppard and Jasmine Brown, who signed last week at the start of the early signing period. State's three top 100 signees are the second-most top 100 recruits that Mississippi State has signed in a single class in program history. The most were four back in 2019.

Quanirah Cherry-Montague | 6-6 | Post | Atlantic City, N.J.| Atlantic City High School
Get To Know Quanirah
Quanirah Cherry-Montague is rated as a 4-star recruit and ranked as the No. 48 overall prospect in the country. The 6-6 post is also ranked as the sixth-best post player in the country and the third-best player from the state of New Jersey, according to espnW HoopGurlz. Nicknamed 'Nir Nir', few high school players have her size and agility. She has a 6-11 wingspan but can play all five positions. She can score in the post with her back to the basket, but she can also score on the dribble and from the perimeter. Cherry-Montague has been a mainstay in the Atlantic City High School rotation since she stepped foot on campus as a freshman. She has improved her game each season, and most recently, as a junior, she averaged a double-double (12.5 points and 11.0 rebounds per game) while also averaging 2.9 blocks per contest. Cherry-Montague chose MSU over Ohio State, Penn State, Florida State, UCLA, Rutgers and many others.

Purcell on Cherry-Montague
"This young lady is special. Q [Quanirah Cherry-Montague] is an extremely versatile post player. She has the size and a special skill set that many players don't have. She stretch's the floor and can play inside and out. I know that our fan base will absolutely love watching her play for years to come."

Jason Lantz – Atlantic City High School Head Coach on Cherry-Montague
"Nir Nir is perhaps the most talented basketball player that I have coached! She is humble, family oriented, a lover of education and most importantly a wonderful person! She is extremely coachable and a quick learner. On the court, she has great awareness, athleticism, and can score from all three levels on the court. Defensively, her presence on the court changes the game. Nir has a desire to be great! I am excited to see what the next chapter of her career holds."

Keith Gilchrist – Director of New Jersey Sparks AAU on Cherry-Montague
"I'm happy that Quanirah decided to go to Mississippi State. I feel like it's a great fit for her as well as a need for her skill set. There is no limit to what she can accomplish because there's really no one else in her class that has the size, athleticism, and skill set that she possesses. Quanirah hasn't even scratched the surface as far as where she can take her game and I can't wait to see her develop her game at the next level. Mississippi State definitely did a tremendous job recruiting her and congrats to them as well."

DJ Paulo – New Jersey Sparks AAU Coach and Mentor on Cherry-Montague
"To know and understand Nir Nir is to absolutely love her! Mentoring and coaching her the last 1.5 years has not only been a pleasure but also a privilege. She is a rare breed with physical attributes you can't teach, making her potential limitless. Super coachable with a strong mom and family support system. Mississippi State is getting an absolute gem! I'm excited to follow her progression under the guidance of this elite staff and program.

2023 Signing Class
Mjracle Sheppard
Jasmine Brown
Quanirah Cherry-Montague

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Mississippi State University Athletics

Purcell Announces Third ESPNW Top-100 Signee for 2023 Signing Class

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