AUGUSTA, Ga — Augusta women's basketball head coach Celeste Stewart has announced the signing of seven players to the 2024-25 class. New additions to the Jaguar roster include Quinasia Abercrombie, Elyse Autrey, Amari Jackson, MaKiyah Matthews, Des'Teyn Seaton, Savannah Velazquez, and Tyasia Freeman.
Quinasia Abercrombie
Greenville, SC 5'10" Guard
Freshman – Wade Hampton High School
Abercrombie scored over 1,000 points and grabbed 1,000 rebounds during her high school career. She was named the 2023 4A SCBCA All-State Player of the Year, 2023 All-Region Player of the Year, and 2023 GCBCA Player of the Year. She also recorded 27.0 points, 15.0 rebounds, 6.0 steals, and 5.0 assists per game for SC Lady Sixers.
From Head Coach Celeste Stewart:
"Quinasia is a guard who is a true athlete, has set multiple records at her high school; she has shown her ability to impact the game both offensively and defensively at a high rate, and also plays with a high motor. She is a true competitor, and we are excited she is officially a part of the Augusta family."
Elyse Autrey
Ashburn, VA 5'6" Point Guard
Freshman – Virginia Academy
Autrey earned VISAA 1st Team All-State honors and helped her team win 4X VISAA State Championships. She also played for Fairfax Stars She played for Fairfax Stars in Fairfax, VA, under Coach Aggie McCormick
From Head Coach Celeste Stewart:
"Elyse is a point guard who's been a part of a winning tradition. She knows what it takes to win and has the mindset to match. She has shown her ability to not only be a playmaker herself but also create plays for others. We are excited to officially have Elyse join the Augusta family."
Amari Jackson
Gainesville, FL 6'1" Forward/Center
Junior – Florida Southern
Jackson achieved 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in high school. In the 2023-24 season, she averaged 8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, with notable performances, including a career-high 24 points against Saint Leo and a double-double against Florida Tech.
From Head Coach Celeste Stewart:
"Amari is a forward/center who plays with a high motor and has a competitive edge. She is agile and has shown her ability to make an impact for her team in many ways. She has college playing experience coming from the Sunshine State Conference. We are excited to add Amari to the Augusta Family."
MaKiyah Matthews
Richmond Hill, GA 5'7" Guard
Freshman – Richmond Hill High School
Matthews was named 1st Team All-Region and Winter Female Athlete of the Year in 2024. She also earned honors such as Most Outstanding Player and Best Offensive Player.
From Head Coach Celeste Stewart:
"MaKiyah is a guard who is willing to do what it takes to help her team be successful. Her athleticism and shooting ability allow her to play multiple positions. She is an athlete and can be impactful in many ways offensively and defensively. We are excited to have MaKiyah join the Augusta family."
Des'Teyn Seaton
Kathleen, GA 5'9'" Guard/Forward
Freshman – Veterans High School
Seaton earned First Team All-Region honors twice and Honorable Mention All-State. She played a key role in her team's success, including Region Champs and Sweet 16 appearances.
From Head Coach Celeste Stewart:
"Des'Teyn is a guard/forward who's been a part of a lot of success at the high school level. She has an eagerness to be successful and compete at a high level. She has shown her ability to play multiple positions as needed and has the capability to create for her teammates and make plays of her own. We are excited to add Des'Teyn to the Augusta family."
Savannah Velazquez
Richmond, TX 5'2" Point Guard
Sophomore – Hill College
At Hill College, Velazquez was named Newcomer of the Year and made the All-Academic Team. In high school, she earned honors such as First Team All-District and Offensive Player of the Year.
From Head Coach Celeste Stewart:
"Savannah is a point guard who has college playing experience. She has shown her ability to fill up the stat sheet in many categories. She is a player who can create for others but also impactful with the ability to make plays herself. She will bring even more experience in the backcourt. Excited to have Savannah join the Augusta family."
Tyasia Freeman
Waynesboro, GA 6'2" Forward/Center
Senior – Emmanuel University
At Emmanuel University, Freeman recorded 9 double-doubles, averaged 11.0 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, and had 26 blocks. In high school, she was named All-Region in her Junior and Senior years and GHSA All-State Honorable Mention.
From Head Coach Celeste Stewart:
"Tyasia is a forward/center who has playing experience in the Peach Belt Conference, which gives us even more experience in the frontcourt. She has shown her ability to impact the game in a variety of ways offensively and will also be an asset of being a rim protector defensively. We are excited Tyasia decided to come back home to be a part of the Augusta family."
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