LAKE CHARLES—  McNeese women's basketball head coach Ayla Guzzardo announced the signing of five players (one junior college transfer and four high school) on Wednesday, Nov. 12, the first day of the early signing period.
 
Santa Fe College transfer Malanie Francis along with Ava Raymond (Zachary High), Delaney Arredondo (Judson High), Asia Patin (Southern Lab), and Alanna Benoit (Mandeville High) are the first signees for the 2026-27 Cowgirls.  The five will add height, athleticism as well as scoring threats.  Two of the signees have scored over 1,000 points in their high school career heading into their senior season.  
 
"We have been recruiting all of them for a long time," said head coach Ayla Guzzardo. "Being able to watch them develop on and off the floor has been a blessing."
 
Malanie Francis, 6'5, C, Mandeville, Jamaica (Manchester High/Santa Fe College)
• Is a transfer from Santa Fe College (Florida)
• Currently averaging 4.5 ppg. and 10.0 rpg.
• As a freshman at Santa Fe College she averaged 1.5 ppg. and 1.6 rpg.
• In high school she accumulated 374 rebounds and recorded 14 double doubles

"Size is always something we will need but Malanie will come to us with so much positivity. She will continue to add to our athleticism being able to rebound on both ends and to give us extra possessions and the ability to block shots. Malanie's best basketball is ahead of her and our coaching staff will make sure she continues to thrive here as a Cowgirl." 
 
Ava Raymond, 5'9, G, Zachary, La. (Zachary High)
• Member of the 2025 State Championship team
• Ranked 2^nd in 2026 class
• Scored over 1,000 points
• Three-time All-District
• Two-time All-State
• Two-time All-Metro
• Sugar Bowl All-Tournament
• 225 Rising Star
• 2025 Geaux Preps All-Tournament Team
• Tennis State Quarterfinalist
• Father Kardell played college basketball at Southwest Mississippi Junior College…mom Taryn (Perry) played softball at LSU
• Aunt Tyra Perry played softball for LSU and is currently the head softball coach at the University of Illinois
• Aunt Brittney Williams played softball at Western Kentucky and is currently the head softball coach at Southern.
 
"Ava has been on our radar for years and rightfully so. She is a mis-match problem on the offensive boards. With her size and length, she will be able to elevate over her defenders for easy looks at the rim. She is a defending state champion and knows how to win the right way."
 
Delaney Arredondo, 5'5, PG, San Antonio, Texas (Judson High) 
• Has scored over 1,000 career points
• Newcomer of the Year as a freshmen
• Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore
• Defensive MVP as a junior
• Member of three district championship teams, two bi-district championships, one Area championship
• Three-time All-District
• Regional Qualifier
• All-Region
 
"Delaney is a scoring point guard with the ability to score at all three levels. Her work ethic is unreal, and she spends multiple hours a day working on her craft. We are in good hands with her bringing up the ball."
 
Asia Patin, 5'6, PG, Slaughter, La. (Southern Lab) 
• Member of three state championship teams
• Three-Time All-District
• Three-Time All-State
• Three-Time All-Metro
• District MVP (Sophomore)
• Defensive MVP (Sophomore)
• District IV Most Outstanding Player (Sophomore)
• March Madness All-Tourney (Sophomore)
• Averaged 14.6 ppg. as a junior
 
 "Asia is definitely a two-way player for us. One of the best on ball defenders in the state for sure. She is a proven winner and Her toughness and playmaking ability in her game will continue to elevate her and this program to new heights."
 
Alanna Benoit, 5'9, G, Mandeville, La. (Mandeville High)
• Two-Time All-District
• Two-Time District MVP
• Two-Time All-Parish
• All-State
• All-Metro
• Player of the Year
• All-State Sugar Bowl Gold Bracket MVP
• Averaged 21.0 ppg., 9.4 rpg., 5.2 apg., and 5.3 spg. as a junior

 
"Alanna is a pure scorer. Her three-point range is one of the best in the state. Watching her throughout the years with her game it has definitely grown to new heights. She has been highly recruited and comes to us with a wealth of playing knowledge in high school and the AAU Circuit"

 

 2026-07 Women's Basketball Signees

Malanie Francis, 6'5, C, Mandeville, Jamaica (Manchester High/Santa Fe College)

Ava Raymond, 5'9, G, Zachary, La. (Zachary High)

Delaney Arredondo, 5'5, PG, San Antonio, Texas (Judson High)

Asia Patin, 5'6, PG, Slaughter, La. (Southern Lab)

Alanna Benoit, 5'9, G, Mandeville, La. (Mandeville High)