A fresh era for Mississippi State women's basketball
Mississippi State's women's basketball program is entering a pivotal season as head coach Sam Purcell finalizes a roster that blends experience with fresh talent. The 2026‑27 squad features six transfers and two incoming freshmen, each selected for their ability to contribute immediately.
Key Additions
Aryss Macktoon comes to Starkville from La Salle University, where she led the team in rebounds, steals and minutes last season, offering a defensive backbone and rebounding presence. Macie Phifer, a two‑time Mississippi Miss Basketball, brings a scoring pedigree after a standout tenure at Middle Tennessee State.
Reese Beaty, a four‑star prospect who previously played at Iowa State, adds size and shooting range, while Cali Smallwood rejoins the program alongside her sister Lani Smallwood, a high‑school phenom who averaged 25.8 points per game. Arianny Francisco de Oliveira, a junior‑college transfer, posted 18.9 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, and Tootie Lockett, a Starkville native, topped Itawamba Community College in points and steals.
Andrea Flores, the 2026 Tennessee Class 3A Miss Basketball, rounds out the freshman class with elite shooting and playmaking skills. Coach Purcell has emphasized that the group’s character and chemistry will be the foundation of the team’s approach.
The team is preparing for a competitive schedule that includes challenging non‑conference matchups, giving the new roster opportunities to test its chemistry against top programs. Early practices suggest a fast‑paced, aggressive style that could translate into a strong showing in the SEC tournament.
Fans and alumni are eager to see how the new pieces fit together, and the program's momentum is building as the season approaches.