University Southern California Trojans
USC Women’s Basketball Inks No. 7-Ranked Recruiting Class
November 11, 2020 | Women's Basketball, Features
Women of Troy receive NLIs from top recruits Clarice Uche Akunwafo and Rayah Marshall — both locals and candidates for Naismith High School Player of the Year.
Word to @uscfb, WE'RE TAKING BACK THE WEST🗣✌️✍️
— USC Women's Basketball (@USCWBB) November 11, 2020
Welcome home, @ClariceAkunwafo and Rayah!#FightOn | #FinishTheFight pic.twitter.com/74E5Fi6PyR
USC women's basketball welcomes a pair of powerful local products who combine forces as the nation's No. 7-ranked recruiting class according to ESPN. The No. 2-ranked center in the country, Clarice Uche Akunwafo comes to Troy from nearby Inglewood, Calif. ESPN's No. 27-ranked player in the land, guard/forward Rayah Marshall is a Los Angeles native. Both new Trojans signed their national letters of intent today (Nov. 11), USC head coach Mark Trakh has announced. Both Akunwafo and Marshall also were recently named to the Watch List for the 2021 Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy for High School Girls Player of the Year.
So excited for the future of our program, these two will be HUGE additions to our team❗️Welcome, Clarice and Rayah✌️ ✍️#FightOn | #FinishTheFight https://t.co/bNdt34docx
— Mark Trakh (@CoachTrakhUSC) November 11, 2020
A 6-6- center, Clarice Uche Akunwafo averaged 20.1 points, 12.7 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game at Rolling Hills Prep. The Inglewood native also shot 56 percent from the floor and is a two-time All-CIF honoree. Her power at the post has earned her the nod as the No. 2 center in the nation and No. 21 player overall, according to ESPN.
"Clarice has an unwavering work ethic that allows her to dominate the paint," Trakh said of Akunwafo. "Her 6-6 frame and even longer wingspan will immediately elevate our rebounding efforts. Most importantly, Clarice's commitment to excellence fits seamlessly into our culture."
"I chose USC because it was the best fit for me as a student, athlete and person," Akunwafo said. "I have built strong relationships with the coaching staff that will help me grow mentally and physically. USC is close to home where my family and friends are only a short drive away. Overall, I'm excited to be a part of the Trojan family."
A Los Angeleno and another All-CIF regular, Rayah Marshall ranks No. 27 in the nation among this class of prospects. The 6-4 guard/forward hails from nearby Lynwood High, where she averaged 18.1 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 2.4 steals per game.
"Rayah has limitless potential," Trakh's aid of Marshall. "She has the versatility to play multiple positions on both ends of the floor. Her childhood dream was to compete at USC, and we believe the 6-4 Los Angeles product has the confidence to dunk in a contest at Galen someday. She's 'Unique.'"
"It doesn't get any better than playing in your hometown," Marshall said of why she chose USC. "USC had all the things I was looking for in a college experience. I believe USC has the space for me to develop and contribute my talent right away."
Akunwafo and Marshall will join a USC roster brimming with talent. This year's Women of Troy have no graduating seniors on the roster, so Akunwafo and Marshall will be among a group of experienced and versatile Trojans when they begin their USC careers in the 2021-22 season.
Congratulations to Coach Trakh and his staff on landing the No. 7 recruiting class in the country!
— Mike Bohn (@USC_mikebohn) November 11, 2020
And a huge welcome to Clarice and Rayah!! #FightOn https://t.co/uVb9cPu7KS
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