A new era of Pearl River women's basketball has begun — but the championship standard that defines the program remains the same.
As the 2025–26 season rapidly approaches, first-year head coach Shanae Govan-Williams and her staff are focused on maintaining and building upon the program's winning tradition.
"We want to keep the standard the same as it has been," Govan-Williams said. "This program has won three out of the last four MACCC Championships, so why not us? We can do it as well. We'll remind them that we want to hang a banner, too. We want to appreciate being part of a program with such a rich tradition, but we also want to put our own spin on the brand. I think we have a chance to win a championship — but we know it won't be easy."
Govan-Williams said one defining characteristic of her 2025–26 team has been its resilience throughout the preseason.
"I've been really proud of how we don't quit despite facing adversity — whether we're going through shooting droughts or trying to figure things out defensively," she said. "We may not always be the most talented team on the floor, but sometimes it's about who handles adversity better."
The Wildcats will also benefit from versatility across the roster, as several players are capable of filling multiple roles.
"Our ability to score, and having multiple players who can produce inside and out, has been our biggest advantage so far," Govan-Williams said. "This team is very versatile. We've got a lot of players who can play multiple positions."
SECOND-YEAR PLAYERS
Three players return from last season's championship roster — Mattison Bell (Philadelphia; Choctaw Central), Jae'la Smith (Vicksburg; Porter's Chapel) and Ganea McAllister (Tupelo).
Bell started 23 games for PRCC a season ago, averaging 6.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.4 steals. As a sophomore, she'll shift to her more natural position at shooting guard.
"She'll have more touches because she won't play the point," Govan-Williams said. "She has the green light when she's on the floor. We think it'll boost her confidence to not have to handle the ball all the time."
Smith showed flashes as a freshman, averaging 2.8 points, 2.4 rebounds and one steal. She's expected to take a big step forward this season.
"Jae'la has shown the most upside of our sophomores," Govan-Williams said. "She's completely bought in and has exceeded our expectations as a leader. She's really hungry and has led us in rebounding in a lot of games."
McAllister missed the 2024–25 season due to injury but is working her way back. She previously played for Govan-Williams at Coahoma during the 2023–24 season.
"Ganea is a rebounding catalyst," Govan-Williams said. "Even though she's coming off an injury, she's shown flashes of what she was capable of before. She can be a real force on the glass."
Toniah Watts (Terry) also followed Govan-Williams from Coahoma, where she averaged 2.8 points and 3.9 rebounds as a freshman.
"She's trusting herself and her abilities more," Govan-Williams said. "She has great post moves, and we knew she could be special if we could get her here and keep developing her."
Cy'Nara Robinson (McGehee, Ark.) was one of Coahoma's top performers last season, averaging 11.4 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.2 steals while earning All-MACCC and All-Region honors.
"She's a dog," Govan-Williams said. "You can put her anywhere on the floor, and no one will outwork her. We knew she'd be an impact player from day one. The team goes as she goes."
FRESHMEN
The Wildcats will also feature a highly talented freshman class.
"This has been a fun group — probably the most talented freshman class I've had in three years in this conference," Govan-Williams said. "They'll be one of the best to come through Pearl River because they just love basketball. You don't find that often with an entire group."
Aubrey Hill (Tupelo; Biloxi) joins PRCC after a decorated high school career that included Division Championships in 2022, 2023 and 2025.
"Aubrey is a coach's kid — a true utility player," Govan-Williams said. "She can hold down any position and is someone we'll use in special situations. She's a gamechanger."
Alana Smith (Southaven), a 5-foot-10 guard, was a 7A All-Region selection in 2024 and 2025. "She has an unreal touch," Govan-Williams said.
"We've challenged her not to limit herself to just shooting because she's long and athletic. We expect her to have a great year."
Chauncey Dixon (Leroy, Ala.; McIntosh), a 1,000-point scorer in high school, is recovering from injury but expected to return later in non-conference play.
"She's another coach's kid," Govan-Williams said. "She's coming off surgery, and we're looking forward to getting her back soon."
Aaliyah Davison (Gautier; Biloxi) also comes from a winning background at Biloxi, where she won multiple District Championships. The 5-foot-4 guard will handle point guard duties for the Wildcats.
"She's really tough," Govan-Williams said. "She does the right things and makes the right reads."
Jahanna Wilson (Jackson; Callaway) enters as one of the most decorated freshmen in the state. The 5-foot-2 guard scored over 1,000 career points and was the MVP of the Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Game.
"Jahanna is very special," Govan-Williams said. "Everyone wanted her — she had Division I offers. She's an amazing talent and a natural leader who isn't afraid to use her voice."
Atesa Johnson (Lewisville, Ark.; Lafayette) was a 1A All-State selection as a senior, averaging 16.6 points and five rebounds per game.
"She's a combo guard who can do it all," Govan-Williams said. "She can guard any position and is just an elite scorer."
Madison Hughes (Olive Branch; Center Hill), a 5-foot-9 forward, was a three-time All-District performer in high school and is expected to play a big role this season.
"She's fearless and can really shoot it," Govan-Williams said. "She reminds me of former Wildcat Mikayla Riley. She's stepped up to the challenge of playing the forward spot and has really adapted well."
With a mix of experienced returners, versatile transfers and an energetic freshman class, the 2025–26 Wildcats enter the season eager to uphold Pearl River's winning tradition — and add their own chapter to it.
GETTING STARTED
Pearl River begins the 2025-26 season Friday with a ranked showdown against ninth-ranked Kilgore. Tipoff in Carthage, Texas is set for 4 p.m.
TICKETS
Basketball season tickets are available now for $103, granting access to all home regular-season games. Single-game tickets are $9 in advance and $11 on the day of the game. Tickets can be purchased at PRCCAthletics.com/Tickets.
TUNE IN
All home Pearl River basketball games are livestreamed for free at PRCCMedia.com/Gold. Fans who have Roku, Amazon Fire or Apple TV devices can also watch the Wildcat broadcasts by downloading the "Pearl River CC" channel from their app stores.
Games will also be available over the air in Pearl River County by tuning into 1320-AM and 106.9 FM. The radio broadcast is also available at WRJWRadio.com and by downloading the WRJW app.
For the latest on Pearl River Community College athletics, follow us on X (@PRCCAthletics) and Facebook (PRCCAthletics).
