A New Era for the Beavers
Berkley Jones, a 5-foot-10 small forward from Eagle, Idaho, announced on Monday that she will join the Oregon State Beavers women's basketball program as the first member of the Class of 2027. Her decision marks a significant milestone for the program as it looks to build on recent successes.
Ranked No. 67 in the SportsCenter Next 100 and considered a four-star prospect, Jones chose Oregon State over offers from BYU, Kansas, Stanford, and Oregon. The commitment reflects the Beavers' growing appeal among elite high school talent.
High School Highlights
At Eagle High School, Jones led the team to an Idaho 6A state championship and earned the 2025-26 Girls Basketball Athlete of the Year honor from the Idaho Press. She averaged 22.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, shooting 60 percent from the floor and 47 percent from three-point range. Her single-game scoring record of 42 points against Rocky Mountain High School underscores her scoring prowess.
The incoming class also features standout recruits such as Taylor Young from Central Point, Oregon, who captured the 5A title and set a tournament scoring record with 85 points, and Maggie Warpus, a 6-foot-2 forward from New York who was named Class B Player of the Year after averaging 21 points per game.
Additional signees include Ashley Uusitalo, a Washington native who broke her school's three-point record with 133 threes, and Evelini Smith, a top-30 player in Northern California known for her versatile wing play and efficient shooting.
International Additions
Coach Scott Rueck continues to expand his recruiting footprint overseas, welcoming French forward Genesia Mayele and Ukrainian post Mariia Ignatchenko to the roster. Their arrivals complement a diverse and talented group that promises depth and versatility.
The Beavers' commitment to high school recruiting under Rueck's leadership signals a strategic shift toward assembling a balanced, future-ready squad. With a blend of domestic standouts and international prospects, Oregon State aims to remain competitive in the Pac-12 and beyond.