NASHVILLE - The Lipscomb women's basketball team and head coach Lauren Sumski have announced the signing of four student-athletes to the 2021 class: 

"We could not be more excited about the group that we are adding to our program and family today!" Sumski said. "They are each high character young women that come from great families and support systems, but they are also great students and hyper competitive on the court. They simply fit us perfectly."

The recruiting class is Sumski's second since taking over the role of head coach in April of 2019. She believes the group will help bolster the Lady Bisons roster. 

"On the court, we are going to be adding a group of versatile and adept defenders who shoot the ball well, are incredibly heady and even add length in some spots. Most importantly, they are winners that have come from competitive programs where they have had very important roles throughout their high school careers, even taking on leadership roles within their respective programs." 

Despite the recruiting difficulties presented by COVID-19, Sumski and her staff were still able to establish ties with the new players. 

"Although COVID-19 definitely threw a bit of a monkey wrench to recruiting efforts across the nation, I believe it enabled us to really establish deeper and more meaningful relationships then we have had the opportunity to do in previous years, with everyone largely at home for most of the spring and summer. It also allowed us to extend our reach in ways that our efforts were truly national.

"All in all, we are super excited about this group. More so than what they can do, we are excited about who they are and who we know that they can become together."

Read about the signees below:

Hilary James | Guard | 5'6" | Salem, Oregon | South Salem High School

• 1st-Team All-State as a junior
• 2nd-Team All-State as a sophomore
• 3x All-District
• 2x Conference Player of the Year
• 3x Academic All-Conference 

"Hilary James is an edgy competitor who will also have the ability to shift around for us with her ball skill, decision making and overall scoring ability. She took her South Salem program to the State Championship before getting cancelled due to COVID. She will join us sooner than later though, as she has chosen to graduate and enroll in the Spring!"

Baylee Jones | Guard | 5'7" | | Mount Orab, Ohio | Western Brown High School

• 1x All-Region
• 1x All-District
• 3x Team MVP
• Also plays volleyball
• Broke school record for free throws in a game (13)

"Baylee brings a tremendous energy to the game to go along with her skill and competitiveness. She is able to play on and off with decision making and shooting ability, while creating shots for herself and her teammates."

Katherine Weakley | Guard | 5'10" | Westerville, Ohio | Worthington Christian High School

• 2x All-State
• 2x All-District
• Conference Player of the Year
• 1000 Point Scorer
• 3x All-Conference 

"Katherine is a versatile wing player who can play multiple positions due to her size and length. She's also an extremely tough and competitive shot-maker who helped to take her program to new heights with state championship appearances."

Bella Vinson | Guard/Forward | 6'2" | Manchester, Tennessee | Coffee County High School

• Ranked in the Naismith Top-50 Nationally for Class of 2021
• 2x All-State
• 2x District MVP
• All-Region honoree
• Scored nearly 1500 points through three seasons 

"Bella might be the most versatile in the class due to her ability to put the ball on the floor, make sound decisions, and make shots as well as post up. She's played point through center for her program, while also leading them to a state championship appearance."