JACKSONVILLE – Head coach Rick Pietri officially announced the signing of Kyera Thornsbury late last week. The Bluegrass State star had been a longtime commit for the Gamecocks and serves as Jacksonville State women's basketball's first signee for the Class of 2024.
 
Thornsbury, a native of Belfry, Ky., is an accomplished prep player in her home state. She began her high school career at Belfry High School but has been a member of the varsity program at Pikeville High School for the past three seasons. She helped guide the Lady Panthers to a region championship as a sophomore in 2021-22, advancing to the to the Sweet 16 of the KHSAA Playoffs. Thornsbury starred again as a junior last winter, leading PHS to a 35-7 mark and an unblemished 10-0 record in District 59 play.  The Jax State signee has also played club basketball in Kentucky, performing well in the offseason for ETA Thunder and Kentucky Premier.
 
She is a two-time All-State pick, a three-time All-Region selection, a four-time All-District honoree, and earned 60^th District Tournament MVP distinction after pouring in 26 points in a District Title win over Pike Central in March 2021.
 
"Kyera is a kid from rural Kentucky, near West Virginia, who is gritty, hard, and tough," Pietri said. "She's a good handler with either hand and can attack. She has the ability to hit the three and she competes her butt off defensively. A person like her will be a great addition to our program."
 
The 2023-24 Jacksonville State women's basketball team continues its non-conference schedule this week at home. The Red-and-White will welcome Alabama-Huntsville (UAH) to Pete Mathews Coliseum on Friday night in its home opener. Tip-off in Jacksonville is set for 6:30 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
 
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