By Katherine Jamtgaard for App State Sports. BOONE, N.C. – App State women’s basketball coach Angel Elderkin announced the addition of three athletes to the 2023 signing class on Friday. Lexi Bugajski, MaKenzie Drout, and Anaya Harris will join the Mountaineers next season as true freshmen.
“It is with great excitement that we welcome MaKenzie Drout, Lexi Bugajski, and Anaya Harris to our App State Women’s Basketball program,” said Elderkin. “Each of these young ladies bring a passion for the game, as well as a commitment to excellence both on the court and in the classroom. I cannot wait to immerse them into our Boone Community.”
Lexi Bugajski | 6-0 | New Berlin, Wis. | New Berlin Eisenhower HS
Joining the Mountaineers for the 2023-24 season will be Bugajski. Bugajski hails from New Berlin, Wis. During her high school career, Bugajski was a team captain and nabbed Second-Team All-Conference and All-State Honorable Mention. She was also ranked in the top-10 on Prehoops. Bugajski was Waukesha Freeman All-Area, named Milwaukee Journal Player to Watch, and helped her team to a state semi-final appearance her sophomore year. The New Berlin, Wis. native competed for the Wisconsin Impact club basketball team under the direction of Scott Witt. With her club team, Bugajski also earned multiple All-Tournament nods. Aside from basketball, she also competed for the New Berlin Eisenhower high school volleyball team and Wisconsin Elite club volleyball team.
Bugajski has three siblings, including a twin. She enjoys reading, writing, baking, time with friends, and listening to music. At App State, Bugajski intends to major in biology.
Why Bugajski Chose App State:Â Bugajski chose App State because of the “beautiful campus, great people,coaches, and players. It’s isolated, but not lonely, and strong academically.”
Elderkin on Bugajski: “Lexi Bugajski is a superior athlete, that is the perfect fit for our positionless style of player. Her versatility will allow us to utilize her.”
MaKenzie Drout | G | Kimberly, Wis. | Kimberly HS
Also joining the Mountaineers from Wisconsin will be Drout. As a junior, Drout was named team MVP, First-Team All-FVA, First Team Post Crescent All-Area, and AP All-Wisconsin Honorable Mention. She was also a Northeast Wisconsin Basketball Player of the Year nominee and nabbed Fox 11 Second-Team All-Area honors. During her sophomore season, she helped the team to a Fox Valley Conference title and a trip to the 24-2 State quarterfinals. The Kimberly, Wis. native earned Second-Team All-FVA honors and received a D1 All-State honorable mention. Drout is currently ninth in the Kimberly girls basketball team career points list, with 883 and has made 428 rebounds over the course of her high school career. She also lettered all four years of high school and was a four-year Prephoop Wisconsin Class of 2023 Top-10 contender. Drout competed for the Let It Rain club team under the direction of Jason Drout and Ryan Antony.
Drout has two siblings and enjoys cooking, hiking, fishing, and music. Drout can juggle and loves the outdoors.
Why Drout Chose App State:Â “I chose App State because of the culture of the school and team, the athletic program, the coaches, the players and the community. I thought that the style of play fits my game and I’m really excited for their vision for the future of the team.”
Elderkin on Drout: “MaKenzie Drout is an exceptional guard with an ability to create shots for herself and her teammates. She brings us toughness around the rim with her ability to rebound, coupled with a natural ability to lead and elevate her teammates.”
Anaya Harris | G | Raleigh, N.C. | North Raleigh Christian Academy
Harris is joining the Mountaineers as a guard next season. Aside from her high school career, Harris competed for the Carolina Dream and Carolina Flames club teams.
Harris has two siblings and intends to major in sports medicine. She is the second person in her family to commit to a college and enjoys drawing and being with family.
Why Harris Chose App State:Â Harris chose App State because of “the loving feeling I felt I could never forget.”
Elderkin on Harris: “Anaya Harris is an excellent on-ball defender as well as someone who can attack the paint and create for herself and others. She has tremendous length and speed that will make an impact in our backcourt.”
