
11/11/2026 6:37:00 PM | Women's Basketball
KENT, Ohio — Kent State women's basketball head coach Fran Recchia announced her first fall signing class on Wednesday, as Ashlee Baker, Elly Evarts and Madison McKee will join the Golden Flashes for the 2027-28 season with five years of eligibility.
"Our staff was extremely intentional in building this signing class, identifying student-athletes of high character and academic excellence who also bring the talent and work ethic required to compete for championships," Recchia said. "Elly, Ashlee and Madison are outstanding players, teammates and people who embody our culture, and I am thrilled to welcome them to our Flash Family."
Ashlee Baker | 5-9 Guard | Indianapolis, Ind.
Baker was recently named to the IndyStar girls basketball preseason Super Team, which recognizes Central Indiana's top players. As a junior, she averaged 11.0 points, 3.9 assists and 2.2 steals per game while draining a Franklin Central High School record 58 three-pointers.
"Ashlee is a phenomenal shooter who brings high basketball IQ, deep range, and a defensive presence to our wing position. She is a hard worker, a relentless competitor and someone everyone loves to be around, making her a perfect fit for our culture. Our Flash Family is going to enjoy getting to know Ashlee and watching her light it up from three inside the M.A.C. Center."
Elly Evarts | 5-8 Guard | Gibsonburg, Ohio
Ranked Ohio's No. 5 prospect of the 2027 class by Prep Girls Hoops, Evarts is one of the most prolific three-point shooters in state history and enters her senior year on pace to climb into the top five all-time for made triples. She has earned All-Ohio honors in each of her first three prep seasons, including first-team accolades the past two years. Evarts has led Gibsonburg High School to three consecutive conference titles and owns school records for career points (1,587) and three-point field goals (256).
"Elly is a dynamic playmaker with a high basketball IQ, great court vision, and has the ability to score it on all three levels. She is a fierce competitor with a relentless work ethic and a true leader who makes everyone around her better. Her ability to build genuine connections fits into our culture and our Flash Family is going to love getting to know her and watching her play."
Madison McKee | 6-2 Forward | Glandorf, Ohio
A talented multi-sport athlete, McKee led Ottawa-Glandorf to a Putnam County record 28 wins and state runner-up finish last winter and has led the Lady Titans' volleyball squad to a regional championship and spot in this week's state semifinals. On the hardwood, she earned All-Ohio second team honors as a junior while posting averages of 12.6 points and 7.9 rebounds per contest. McKee also was a first-team Western Buckeye League, District 8 and Northwest District selection.
"Madison is a versatile forward who impacts the game at a high level on both sides of the ball. She will bring great toughness to our frontcourt by her relentless motor, her rebounding ability and is dynamic in the open floor. She is a competitor on the court, an extremely hard worker and an exceptional teammate who is going to make an immediate impact into our culture. Our Flash Family is going to really enjoy getting to know Madison and watching her compete on the court."
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