Merchant, Spartans add four players to 2021 class
Suzy Merchant/(Photo: MSU Athletic Communications)
November 11, 2020
EAST LANSING — The Michigan State women’s basketball team has signed four players to its 2021 recruiting class on the first day of the early signing period. The class includes Damiya Hagemann (Detroit, Mich.), Isaline Alexander (Keswick, Ontario), Brooklyn Rewers (Coeur d’Alene, Idaho) and Lauren Walker (Marietta, Ga.).
“We are excited about our 2021 recruiting class,” MSU coach Suzy Merchant said. “All four signees play for championship AAU and high school programs. This class adds versatility, size and speed in all positions.”
The class is headlined by five-star guard Hagemann from Detroit Edison Public School Academy. She is ranked No. 23 nationally by ESPNW and was recently named to the Naismith High School Girls Trophy watch list. She was also named to the Division II All-State first team in 2019 and 2020.
“We couldn’t be more excited to have Dee Dee join our Spartan family,” Merchant said. “She’s a dynamic playmaker, plays with great passion and competitiveness, along with tremendous leadership skills that will make an impact immediately on the court at Michigan State.”
Alexander is one of the top-rated prospects from Canada in the class of 2021 and Merchant is excited to have her join the squad as well.
“Isa is an athletic, powerful forward who has multiple skill sets that will make her effective right away at our level,” Merchant said. “She’s a phenomenal rebounder and plays with physicality and toughness. Her Team Canada international experience has and will continue to enhance her ability to be impactful as a Spartan as well as compete at a high level year round.”
The 2021 class also has a family feeling to it, with Rewers joining the class. Her older sister, Lauren, is a graduate senior for the Spartans this season.
“We are thrilled to have another Rewers in the Spartan family,” Merchant said. “Her size and ability to score with contact will translate well in the Big Ten. She is a mobile big and a shot blocker that will have a definite impact in the paint for us defensively.”
Lastly is Walker, who was a double-double machine at Marietta High School in Georgia with 15 double-doubles in 28 games last season.
“We love Lauren’s versatility and size as a face-up four or a big guard in our system,” Merchant said “She can shoot the ball from the arc extremely well and has the ability to defensive rebound and push the ball up the floor on our break. Her work ethic is truly impressive, and we are excited to have her become part of the Spartan family.”
MSU is looking for these four recruits to become the next chapter of success in the program under Merchant once they arrive in 2021.
Zach Surdenik is a women’s basketball beat reporter for WDBM Sports. Follow him on Twitter at @ZachSurdenik.
