Eastern Illinois women's basketball head coach
Marqus McGlothan has filled two additional spots on the Panthers 2024-25 roster adding transfer post players Kennedy Davis and Jayda Johnston.
"I want to welcome both Kennedy and Jayda to our EIU women's basketball program. Both of them will elevate our team on the court and in the locker room," added McGlothan.
Davis (6'0") comes to EIU following four-years at Ohio Valley Conference member Tennessee State. Davis came off the bench in 22 games last season for the Lady Tigers averaging 13.5 minutes per game as a post player. She averaged 1.5 points and 1.7 rebounds per game with a season high six points and five rebounds against Lipscomb. During four seasons with the TSU program Davis appeared in 99 games with 17 starts. During her freshman season she earned OVC Freshman of the Week honors one time for her performance on the court. Her career high scoring total of eight points came in OVC action against Southeast Missouri. Davis is from White Plains, Maryland playing at both New Hope Academy and North Point High School. At North Point HS she helped lead the program to three straight conference championships.
"I'm excited to have Kennedy be a part of our team," said McGlothan. "She brings length and athleticism on the court, but most importantly she is a phenomenal teammate. KD has a huge heart and she is a joy to have in our program."
Johnston (6'0") comes to EIU following a four-year career at Valparaiso. A native of Roseville, Minn., she played AAU basketball at North Tartan and led her Roseville Area High School team to a fourth-place state finish. She played sparingly off the bench her fist two seasons before becoming a key role player as a junior during the 2022-23 season appearing in 30 games. She averaged 3.8 points and 1.6 rebounds per game that season with a season high 16 points against Western Illinois. Last season at Valpo she appeared in one game against Western Illinois scoring eight points going 4-of-6 from the field.
"Jayda is a remarkable young woman. She started a non-profit for seniors when she was in high school and runs a basketball camp for kids," said McGlothan. "On the court, Jayda has the capability to make open threes and she can be physical in the post."
Davis and Johnston gives the Panthers six new faces for the upcoming season. Alanna Phillipo (Guard / Marianapolis Prep School) and Olivia Thostenson (Forward / International Falls HS) join the program as freshmen while Kiyley Flowers (Guard / Southeast Missouri) and Alex Rouse (Guard / Bradley) were previously announced as transfers.
