SAN MARCOS, Texas – Ja'Niah Henson, a two-time all-conference guard and HBCU All-American, signed to join Texas State women's basketball as a graduate transfer starting with the 2023-24 season, head coach Zenarae Antoine announced on Wednesday. Henson has one year of eligibility remaining.
 
Originally from Baltimore, Md., Henson played in 94 career games at Morgan State over the last four seasons and helped lead the Bears to a winning record each year. She will arrive in San Marcos with 927 career points.
 
"Ja'Niah is a competitor," said Antoine. "She is disciplined, dedicated and determined to be her best self as she navigates her collegiate journey. She is stellar in the classroom and savvy on the basketball floor. She has led her team to winning seasons each year of her career and finished this year as a first team All-MEAC selection and the HBCU's Second Team All-American. Much like Tiffany (Tullis) and Crystal (Smith) – our two transfers announced yesterday – Ja'Niah comes from a very loving and supportive family. She is a great fit for Texas State University and what our school and program represent."
 
This past season with Morgan State, Henson earned the All-MEAC First Team and BOXTOROW HBCU All-America Second Team honors after averaging 13.8 points, 2.3 assists and 1.9 steals in 28 games (27 starts). She led the Bears to the WNIT – the program's first WNIT appearance in 12 years – and was named MEAC Player of the Week three times (co-player twice).
 
Henson had double-digit points in 22 games this past year, including a career-high 28 in a win against Towson in late November. She finished fourth in the MEAC in scoring as well as first in free throw percentage, fourth in steals, fifth in three-point field goal percentage, fifth in three-pointers made per game, ninth in field goal percentage and 10th in assists. Her 86.0 percent shooting at the free throw line was also 38th-best in the country.
 
Since 2019-20, Henson has 62 starts in her 95 career games. She was Morgan State's starting point guard in 2020-21, when she was named All-MEAC Second Team as a sophomore after averaging 11.3 points and shooting 35 percent from three-point range and 78.9 percent at the free throw line.
 
Henson, who majored in information systems at Morgan State, played high school basketball at Roland Park Country High (Md.). She finished her prep career as the fourth all-time leading scorer at Roland Park Country with 1,274 points and was named all-conference and Baltimore Sun All-Metro Team in 2018-19.
 
The Bobcats have added three transfers to their 2023 signing class so far: Henson, Tiffany Tullis (forward, Blinn College), and Crystal Smith (guard, Blinn College). The newcomer class also features incoming freshmen Julia Coleman (forward; St. Louis, Mo.) and Emi Steele (guard; Euless, Texas).
 
 
What They're Saying About Henson
Coach Marlo Thomas, former HS Coach @ Roland Park Country School and Current Mentor
"Texas State is getting a floor general with a big game and an even bigger heart! Ja'Niah's high basketball IQ coupled with her aggressive style of play, is an asset to any team lucky enough to have her. She knows when to dish and she knows when to score. With that being said, her greatest qualities are her winning attitude, leadership skill, and coachable demeanor. She is the player that makes everyone around her better because she is always looking and listening for those who will make her better. I have not met a young player more dedicated or passionate about the game both on and off the floor. Get ready for the gym to be lit because Ja'Niah brings that "Bmore" swag everywhere she goes and that "Bmore" grit to every practice and game scenario!"
 
Coach Cat Harmon, Former AAU coach, MD Lady Shooting Stars
"There's something special about Ja'niah. She's always had this ability to stay laser focused and self-motivated no matter what is put in front of her. Ja'niah's not only a threat on the offensive end - incredible court vision, good shooter with range, intuitive floor general, shifty, and fearless - but she is relentless on the defensive end as well. On top of being one of the most coachable players I've ever had the pleasure of coaching, she's an outstanding student. The complete package. Texas State is getting an absolute gem!"