SPRINGFIELD – Missouri State head women's basketball coach Beth Cunningham has announced the commitments of JaNyla Bush and Lainie Douglas who will enter Missouri State as freshmen next fall.
 
JaNyla Bush • Guard • 5-3 • Fr. • St. Louis, Mo. • Link Academy
A four-year high school starter, Bush has helped lead her schools to two state titles and a state runner-up finish so far in her career. After averaging 8.0 points per game as a freshman at Whitfield School, Bush made a big jump in her sophomore season, averaging 13.3 points, 4.4 assists and 2.2 steals per game to earn first-team all-state honors and 5A Fab Five Player recognition by Saint Louis American. Last season as a junior at Vashon High School, Bush again raised her scoring average, scoring 15.4 points per game while shooting 49 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range. During her junior season, she reached the 1,000-point milestone and led the PHL in assists. She also played AAU basketball for the Missouri Phenom.
 
Coach Cunningham on Bush:
"JaNyla is a dynamic point guard that has a high IQ and a real knack for distributing the basketball on the court to all the right places. She can create off the bounce, knock down open shots and will bring speed and athleticism as a true point guard. After leading her team to a high school state championship and playing on the EYBL circuit with the in-state program, Missouri Phenom, Nyla is a proven competitor and winner. We are excited to have her join our Lady Bear family."
 

Lainie Douglas • Forward • 6-3 • Fr. • Overland Park, Kan. • Blue Valley Northwest HS
A 6-3 forward out of Blue Valley Northwest High (Kan.), Douglas made an immediate impact as a freshman, averaging 15.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game. Following an impressive freshman campaign, she earned all-Eastern Kansas League third team honors for the Huskies. Following an injury that sidelined her for her sophomore season, Douglas picked up right where she left off entering her junior season. The Overland Park, Kan., native averaged 16.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 blocks and 2.0 steals per game and was named to the Desoto all-tournament team as a junior for the Huskies. She also played AAU basketball for the Kansas Elite. Her father, Troy, played college basketball at Washburn University and one year professionally for Correcaminos De Reynosa. Her mother, Holly, also attended Washburn and was part of the tennis team.
 
Coach Cunningham on Douglas:
"Lainie has the size and offensive skill set that complements our playing style very well. She can run the floor, defend and rebound at a high level. Her work ethic and versatility will allow her to help impact winning in a variety of ways for our team. Lainie is someone who embodies our Lady Bear culture and will be a great addition to our Lady Bear program."