Indiana women’s basketball is bringing in a strong class of freshmen next year.
The Hoosiers officially signed four players for the class of 2026 on Wednesday: guards Ashlinn James and GiGi Battle, wing Addison Nyemchek, and center Zoe Jackson. ESPN ranked Indiana’s class the sixth-best in the country.
Indiana landed the two highest-rated players of the group, Nyemchek (No. 28 in ESPN’s top 100) and Battle (No. 32), in September. Nyemchek and Battle are the two highest-ranked recruits Teri Moren has signed in her 12 seasons at the helm of IU women’s basketball. For context, Grace Berger was No. 46 in the class of 2018, and Mackenzie Holmes was No. 53 in 2019 — though both were five-stars, while Nyemchek and Battle are rated as four-stars.
The Hoosiers have gained momentum on the recruiting trail. Moren brought in Colsten Thompson as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator in the offseason, and he’s helped give the program a spark. Moren also credited the work assistant coaches Ali Patberg and Keyanna Warthen have done in recruiting this class.
“He has changed everything about how we recruit, as far as the correspondence, how often; he’s a guy that’s always on the phone, and that’s what the best recruiters do. They don’t leave any stone unturned. He has a list of prospects that we’re looking at, but who are the people in their circle that we have to contact and we got to build relationships with,” Moren said after the Marshall game. “He’s been outstanding in his role. But he would be the first one to tell you that it’s always a team effort, and AP has done a tremendous job, and so has Key, with helping with this entire class.”
James was the first recruit to join head coach Teri Moren’s program, giving a verbal commitment after Hoosier Hysteria last year. The Louisville native, ranked No. 64 in ESPN’s top 100, is seen as a dynamic playmaker. She’s scored over 1,000 career points at Assumption High.
“Ashlinn’s athleticism and motor really stand out,” Moren said in Indiana’s press release. “She’s a dynamic guard who can attack off the bounce, impact the game defensively, and bring a spark every time she’s on the floor. Her potential to grow within our system is exciting, and we’re thrilled to welcome her to Bloomington.”
Jackson, a 6-foot-4 Australia native, is joining Indiana in January as an early enrollee. She was not ranked in ESPN’s top 100, but the site typically doesn’t include international prospects. It listed Jackson as a four-star recruit in its class rankings.
“Zoe is a skilled and physical post player who brings great size and presence to the paint,” Moren said. “She has strong hands, finishes well around the rim and plays with a steady, composed demeanor. Her international experience and work ethic will make her a great fit in our frontcourt.”
Nyemchek is the top-rated player out of New Jersey. Standing 6-foot-2, she’s scored over 1,000 career points at Red Bank Catholic in Oceanport, N.J. and led her team — with several other players bound for Division I — in scoring in each of her three seasons.
“Addy’s versatility and feel for the game really stand out. She’s a guard who can score, facilitate and defend multiple positions,” Moren said. “She’s the kind of player who impacts winning in a lot of ways. Her best basketball is still ahead of her, and we can’t wait to see her growth in Bloomington.”
Battle played two seasons at Rutgers Prep in New Jersey, before transferring to DME Sports Academy in Florida for her junior and senior years. A 6-foot combo guard, Battle has exceeded 1,000 points and 500 rebounds in her high school career.
“GiGi is a dynamic guard who plays with great poise and purpose. She can score at all three levels and takes real pride in defending,” Moren said. “What stands out most about GiGi is her competitiveness. She plays to win and fits perfectly with the standards of our program.”
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