Mikayla Hayes and Andrayah Adams are two names that resonate with me when the topic of girls’ high school basketball comes up. Both had outstanding prep careers and both have gone on to play at the collegiate level. Today both are on track to complete their collegiate journeys as student athletes.
Hayes, a former girls’ basketball standout as a post player for Park Center High School as a scorer, rebounder and shot blocker, will complete her collegiate career at Xavier University (Ohio) after transferring from Clemson University.
The 6’3” center led Park Center High School to four consecutive state girls’ basketball tournament appearances—including back-to-back Class 3A titles in 2014 and 2015—before committing to play at the University of Florida in 2017.
After her freshman year with the Gators she transferred to Clemson, spending three seasons playing for the Tigers before enrolling in the graduate program at Xavier to pursue a Master’s degree.
Adams, who made her mark as an outstanding player at St. Paul Como Park High School, has transferred from Texas Tech University to play her final collegiate season for the University of North Dakota.
The 5’10” guard used her leadership, playmaking, scoring and defense prowess to lead the Cougars to the Class 3A state tournament and reach the 3,000 career-point mark before signing to play at St. John University (NY).
After two seasons with the Red Storm, Adams transferred to Texas Tech University, spending three more seasons with the Raiders. Adams completed her prep career as one of the top players in state history. She is now enrolled in graduate school pursing her Master’s degree.
Mikayla Hayes and Andrayah Adams are two names that will always resonate. They were great players. More important, however, is the fact that both are furthering their educations as well.
Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald is a contributing columnist at the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.