Huntington's Imani Hickman (11) works the paint against Morgantown's Kate Hawkins (15) in the championship of the 2022 West Virginia Class AAAA Girls State Basketball Tournament on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at the ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä Coliseum & Convention Center.
Huntington's Imani Hickman (11) works the paint against Morgantown's Kate Hawkins (15) in the championship of the 2022 West Virginia Class AAAA Girls State Basketball Tournament on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at the ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä Coliseum & Convention Center.
Whitney Bays' first recruit as West Virginia State University's women's basketball coach is familiar.
Imani Hickman helped Huntington High to Class AAA state championships as a junior and a senior in 2021 and 2022 when Bays was a Highlanders assistant coach. Hickman announced Saturday she transferred to West Virginia State from Concord University, where she averaged 11.5 points and 5.9 rebounds in 26 games, including 17 starts, last season.
"Whitney called me when she got the job at State," said Hickman, who had entered the transfer portal while Bays was still an assistant at Memphis. "I grew up watching her play. We won back-to-back state championships together. She's a great coach and I want to run it back and win a [Mountain East Conference] championship with her."
Hickman is no stranger to adapting to new programs. She played two seasons at Huntington St. Joe before going to Huntington High. She signed with Chowan University and played two seasons before transferring to Concord.
"I think it helps me having been through the process before," Hickman said. "I feel way more comfortable than the first time I transferred."
The 6-foot senior forward brings a physical presence to the Yellow Jackets. A strong rebounder, Hickman is known for rugged defense and power moves to the basket.Â
Hickman said she's prepared to contribute to a team that features just one player taller than her.
"I'm working really hard," Hickman said. "I'm busting my butt."
Hickman is looking to complete her degree in psychology before beginning her quest for a master's degree. She said she plans to enter social work.
"Being around kids all my life, I've fallen in love with helping them," Hickman said. "I feel I can help a lot of kids who otherwise might not receive it."
