Horton Field House | Illinois State University Athletics
Horton Field House | Illinois State University Athletics
NORMAL, Ill. – Zanyra Adams from San Antonio, Texas, and Bella Finnegan from Homewood, Illinois, will join the Illinois State women's basketball team for the 2025-26 season. The announcement was made by head coach Kristen Gillespie.
Previously sidelined due to injury, Adams returns to the court after two seasons at Cisco College in Texas. In the 2023-24 campaign, she was named Northern Texas Junior College Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year, averaging 18.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. "As talented as Zanyra is on the floor, her intangibles may be even more valuable," Gillespie stated. "She is a fierce competitor who will infuse her toughness and versatility into our program. Z can impact the game in a variety of ways and will make an immediate impact on our team."
Adams recorded several high-scoring games, including 13 games with over 20 points, two games with over 30 points, and a standout performance with 32 points, 18 rebounds, and six steals against Temple College in January 2024. Additionally, she achieved 11 double-doubles throughout the season.
Finnegan transfers to Illinois State from Indiana State, where she completed a three-year stint. Over the last season, she averaged 12.8 points per game and led her team with 55 three-pointers. In one notable game against Southern Illinois, she scored a career-high 30 points, which included eight three-pointers. "We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Bella to our program," Gillespie remarked. "She is a gifted player who can score in a variety of ways. Bella is a proven scorer in the Valley and will be a great addition to our backcourt."
In her time at Indiana State, Finnegan earned a place in the 2022-23 All-MVC Freshman Team with averages of 8.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. She also led her team in three-pointers while making 31 starts as a sophomore.
The Redbirds, who finished with a 24-13 record and reached the Fab 4 of the WNIT, continue their strong performance with returners for the next season, including Addison Martin, Doneelah Washington, Nevaeh Thomas, and Trista Fayta.
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