Purcell and Staff Announce Four Signees In Highly-Regarded 2024 Class

STARKVILLE – Mississippi State women's basketball head coach Sam Purcell announced Thursday that Tahj Bloom, Rocío Jiménez, Anaisha Carriere and Shakirah Edwards have signed their National Letters of Intent in the initial window.

"First, shoutout to my staff for working tirelessly to identify and find the right fit of student-athletes for this program," Purcell said. "This is a great class of young women that believe in Mississippi State and want to be a part of what we are building here. They will compliment the team that we have, and we are excited to get them on campus soon, where their hard work and pursuit of excellence will allow them to showcase their potential."

Jiménez will join the program in the second half of the current season, while Bloom, Carriere and Edwards will become Bulldogs ahead of the 2024-25 campaign. Mississippi State's signees hail from nationwide and international ranks and was constructed with versatile pieces that can play multiple positions.

Purcell and the staff made a splash once more at the start of the early national signing period. Bloom is currently ranked the No. 41 overall prospect and No. 9 forward spot by Premiere Basketball and espnW HoopGurlz - the fourth top-100 recruit and highest in Purcell's tenure - while the pair of Edwards and Bloom were also ranked inside the top-100 prospects by Collegiate Girls Basketball Report – Dan Olson. It is the second-straight highly regarded class for Purcell - who brought an elite reputation as a recruiter to Starkville - with last year's class that was ranked 16th nationally and featured three espnW top-100 recruits to help build the foundation as the staff returns Mississippi State back to the nation's elite.

Tahj Bloom | 6-3 | Forward | Okinawa, Japan | DME Academy

The highest rated player by multiple outlets of the Purcell era, Bloom signs with Mississippi State out of DME Academy in Daytona Beach, Fla, where she transferred to play her senior season. The Okinawa, Japan native is currently rated a four-star recruit, No. 41 overall prospect and No. 9 forward by Premiere Basketball and espnW HoopGurlz. She also holds a No. 78 overall ranking from Collegiate Girls Basketball Report – Dan Olson. Bloom competes for the prestigious Mac Irvin Fire AAU program on the Nike EYBL circuit. She showcased her potential early in the high school ranks, averaging 13.9 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 3.4 steals per game as a freshman before an injury limited her opportunities over the past two seasons. Bloom chose Mississippi State over offers from Arizona, Ohio State, Miami, Rutgers, Clemson, Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, Kentucky, Tennessee, Louisville, Syracuse, Maryland and others.

"Tahj Bloom is a versatile post player originally from the state of Illinois. She's playing at a prep school at DME Academy in Daytona Beach, Fla. for her senior year. She brings a dynamic skill set and competitive mentality each time she steps on the floor. She is a proven winner who comes from a great AAU program with Mac Irvin Fire. Most importantly, Tahj comes from a great family and will be a great addition to the culture we are building at Mississippi State." – Mississippi State head coach Sam Purcell.

"Tahj Bloom has been a joy to coach. She has a great personality and love for the game that you want in your players. Not only is she ultra-talented, but she possesses many intangibles that most young players don't have. As she matures, she's going to become a special basketball player. We are excited to see her at the next level and have an opportunity to play for prestigious program like Mississippi State and Coach Purcell." – DME Academy head coach

"Tahj Bloom's best basketball days are in front of her. She has unlimited potential. She has been a staple in our AAU program for years and I am excited to watch her journey at Mississippi State. She is passionate and loves the game and I know Coach Purcell and his staff will bring out the best in her.' – Mac Irvin Fire AAU head coach Mac Irvin.

Rocío Jiménez | 6-7 | Center | Elías Piña, Dominican Republic | Central Pointe Christian Academy

A 6'7" center from Elías Piña, Dominican Republic, Jiménez comes to Starkville with an abundance of potential. Jiménez put that potential on display this past July, when she competed against some of the top women's basketball talent at the collegiate and professional ranks as the youngest player on the Dominican Republic's 2023 FIBA Women's AmeriCup Team in Leon, Mexico. In her first season at the high school ranks, Jiménez led Central Point Christian Academy to a 21-5 record and recorded a 14-point, 17-rebounds performance in the midst of it. Originally slated in the 2025 class, Jiménez is ranked as the No. 257 overall prospect by Collegiate Girls Basketball Report – Dan Olson – and has reclassified to join the program earlier than expected after holding offers from Ole Miss, Louisville, Auburn, Michigan State, Miami and others.

"Rocío Jiménez is a 6'7" post player from Dominican Republic. Rocío was originally recruited to be part of our 2025 recruiting class, but we later discovered she had enough credits to graduate early. We are so excited to welcome her to join the team this December. She will redshirt this season to get stronger in the weight room and tone up her skillset on the court. Rocío only started playing basketball a year and a half ago and the potential for her is through the roof. She comes from a great family who I was able to meet in the Dominican Republic this fall. I can't wait for our Bulldog family to meet her this winter!" – Mississippi State head coach Sam Purcell.

"Rocío Jiménez boasts a long frame with unique qualities that I have no doubt will help Mississippi State in the future. Her work ethic and desire to continue to develop is worthy of admiration. I know that the future is bright for her and that she will help this program compete for championships." – Central Pointe Christian Academy head coach Wesley Arrocho.

Anaisha Carriere | 6-3 | Guard | Gulfport, Miss. | Harrison Central High School

One of the top players in Mississippi, Anaisha Carriere decided to keep her talents in the state and join the program from Gulfport, Miss. Carriere comes to Starkville after averaging 14.2 points per game last season and leading Harrison Central high school to the MHSAA state semifinal round where they fell to eventual state champions Germantown. Carriere also had another SEC offer from Auburn and is ranked as the No. 163 overall prospect by Collegiate Girls Basketball Report – Dan Olson.

"Anaisha Carriere is currently the number one ranked player in the state of Mississippi. It is important for our program to keep the best in-state talent home here at Mississippi State. She brings length and elite athleticism at the wing position and will be disruptive on both ends of the floor. Anaisha is only scratching the surface of her potential and I am excited to watch her develop for the next several years. I look forward to following her senior campaign at Harrison Central high school in Gulfport. We are so excited to welcome Anaisha and her family at Mississippi State!" – Mississippi State head coach Sam Purcell.

"Anaisha Carriere has a God given talent like no other. She has truly been one of the most remarkable players to ever come out of the state of Mississippi. Since a young kid, she's had an amazing supporting cast within her parents and siblings. With her size, she was able to overcome the odds of what someone her size would be able to do. I believe her going to State will allow her to showcase and increase the talent we've seen all along. We wish her the best and pray she accomplishes all her goals." – Harrison Central High School head coach Gabriel (Gabe) Barber.

Shakirah Edwards | 5-10 | Guard | Panama City, Fla. | Rutherford High School

The latest addition to the class in Shakirah Edwards hails from Panama City, Fla. A four-star recruit by Premiere Basketball and espnW HoopGurlz, Edwards led Rutherford High School to the FHSAA Class 4A semifinal round with an average of 17.9 points, 8.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game. Edwards was also the No. 49 overall prospect by Collegiate Girls Basketball Report – Dan Olson. Not only a special athlete on the court, she is a two-time FHSAA state champion in the women's high jump. Edwards chose Mississippi State over other offers from Ole Miss, Miami, Kentucky, Florida State, Florida, Cincinnati, Virginia and others.

"Shakirah is an electric guard that can impact the game on both sides of the floor. She has unreal speed and athleticism that helps her score in bunches from her defensive presence. Shakirah is a dual sport athlete in high school who also saw success in track and field. She is a two-time state champion in the high jump event. What stood out with Shakirah in her recruiting process is her poised demeanor and how she always plays with a chip on her shoulder. I am ecstatic to coach Shakirah the next four years and can't wait for her to join the family!" – Mississippi State head coach Sam Purcell.

"Shakirah Edwards has taken another step forward in her athletic and academic career. We are extremely proud of her many accomplishments, and we are further excited about her continuing her career at Mississippi State University. We want to thank Coach Purcell and Coach Page for their professionalism throughout the recruiting process. Hail State!"- Rutherford High School head coach Tony Davis.

Mississippi State University Athletics

Purcell and Staff Announce Four Signees In Highly-Regarded 2024 Class

Related Videos