This post may -- or may not -- have something to do with this GIF.
Amari Byles and Jenica Lewis, according to multiple posts or stories, are slated to take official visits to Notre Dame this weekend (the North Carolina State football game will possibly be a destination for both of them).
Here's a bit on both:
- Amari Byles (#37 Hoopgurlz, #16 PN, #11 ASGR). 6'2" wing from DeSoto, TX, who was given an offer by Niele Ivey. Smooth wing/tall guard who is adept at driving and has good form on her jumper. Named ND one of 15 schools she's considering, as of mid-January 2025. Announced schools she is visiting this fall, including Duke, UNC, Baylor, Stanford, USC, Iowa and ND.
Byles is a very athletic, tough forward who is comfortable banging in the paint. Given that ND is losing two of its forwards after a mere year, Byles would be a good -- even, necessary -- fit. ND coaching staff underscored their interest when all of them visited she and her family for an in-home visit. That's right, everyone. She's apparently close with Jacy Abii who just committed to ND.
After ND, Byles is visiting Stanford and Iowa (who will pop up on this post a bunch.).
- Jenica (Raine) Lewis. (#24 Hoopgurlz, #24 PN, #8 ASGR). 5'10" combo guard who plays for Johnston HS in Iowa and All-Iowa Attack. Offered by ND in mid-July 2023 and mentions Coach(es) Ivey and Mabrey. Took unofficial visit to ND during Stanford game in Oct. '24, in addition to this OV on Oct. 10. ASGR exec. summary: "Athletic, quick, with high IQ on court. Skilled fundamentals, euro step, shoot's 3 WNBA range".
Lewis, an Iowa native, is set to visit Iowa last. Chatter from numerous sources indicates Iowa and ND could be in the lead (although I never discount UNC). The fact that she's doubling down on her trips to South Bend shows strong mutual interest.
BTW, Bella Ragone, who committed to ND in May, is supposedly also coming to ND this weekend; taking advantage of an unused OV to enjoy the campus and accompany possible commits. Stay tuned.