South Carolina or Mississippi State? Rickea Jackson to commit Friday

Michigan State and coach Suzy Merchant won Caryn Jackson over. The problem is her daughter, Rickea Jackson is looking elsewhere.

The state’s top basketball player will decide on Friday between South Carolina and Mississippi State at Detroit Edison Public Academy.

The 6-foot-2 wing is ranked as the ninth best player in the country and the second best at her position by ESPN.com.

She turned down offers, according to her mother, from Connecticut, Georgia, Tennessee, Ohio State, Michigan and Michigan State.

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“Michigan State was my personal favorite,’’ Caryn Jackson said. “I heard from coach Merchant yesterday (Wednesday). She made one last pitch. She said Rickea was always welcomed at MSU if she ever wanted to come home. I love their coaching staff. Coach Merchant is a great coach and I appreciate her.’

“Rickea wants to play in the Final Four and win a national championship. South Carolina and Mississippi (State) are both great schools, so either way she’ll be fine."

Jackson played for the United States Junior National Team over the summer and was hailed as a player who attacks the glass, can go coast-to-coast on the fast-break and get to the rim.

This journey started when Rickea was 12.

“It was the first time she picked up a basketball,’’ Caryn said. “I asked her did she want to be a good player or a great player. We talked about putting in the work. I know a goal for her is to win Miss Basketball. Once she knew that could be a goal it really motivated her.’’

Jackson was named the Free Press' Girls Basketball Player of the Year and the Female Athlete of the Year at the 2018 Free Press' Sports Awards. DEPSA won the Class C title last season with a 51-34 victory over Ypsilanti Arbor Prep.