Riverdale basketball's Alasia Hayes narrows college decision to five

Riverdale senior Alasia Hayes, one of the state's top girls basketball prospects in the 2020 class, has narrowed her final college choices to five.

Those five are Notre Dame, Michigan, Rutgers, North Carolina State and MTSU.

The 5-foot-7 guard is listed as the No. 28 player nationally and 10th at her position by ESPN.

She said narrowing her choices to five was a tough decision and that each of the five programs seemed like a good fit.

"I just really wanted to take my time and choose what's best for me," Hayes said. "Personally, all of these programs fit my style of play. I feel like these programs are a really good fit for me."

The first-team all-area selection averaged 13.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists last season in leading Riverdale to the Class AAA state semifinals.

Perennial power Notre Dame reached the national championship game in March; North Carolina State reached the Sweet 16; Michigan reached the second round; and Rutgers also reached the NCAA Tournament.

MTSU finished with 23 wins last season and reached the Women's NIT for the third consecutive season. The Lady Raiders reached the NCAA Tournament in 2016.

"MTSU has a great program," Hayes said. "(Coach Rick Insell) is awesome. I feel like I would fit perfectly there. They play my style of basketball. Everyone there is like family."

There's good reason for the "family" feeling about MTSU. Her sisters, former Riverdale stars Anastasia and Aislynn, are both part of the program, which could play a big factor in Alasia's decision.

"I'm going to do what's best for me," Hayes said. "I'm going to be my own person. There would be something about my sisters being there and staying home, but I'm really just thinking about what's best for me. Just because my sisters are at MTSU, it doesn’t sway my decision from the other colleges."

Hayes said she would use all five official visits on her final choices and then ponder her final decision. She has no timetable on making a commitment.

She is expected to be the top player on a Riverdale team that is coming off a state semifinals appearance after three consecutive Class AAA state titles.

"I'm super excited," she said. "I'm preparing myself for this season and will work hard to be a leader for my team."

Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.

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