Atlee Vanesko Commits to Ohio State Women’s Basketball

A Game-Changing Commitment

Big news for Ohio State women’s basketball fans! Atlee Vanesko, a super talented four-star combo guard from Westtown School in Norristown, Pennsylvania, just committed to the Buckeyes on Friday, July 18, 2025. She’s the first recruit in Ohio State’s 2026 class, and let me tell you, she’s a game-changer. Standing at 5-foot-11, Atlee had her pick of top programs like Stanford, Miami, and Virginia Tech, but she chose Columbus to chase her hoops dreams with head coach Kevin McGuff.

What Makes Atlee Special?

Atlee’s a versatile star on the court. She can score from anywhere—driving to the hoop, pulling up for a clean midrange jumper, or splashing a three. She’s also got a knack for setting up her teammates with pinpoint passes and a super high basketball IQ. Defensively, her size and quickness let her guard multiple positions, which will be huge for the Buckeyes’ fast-paced, run-and-gun style. Fans are already buzzing with excitement about how she’ll fit into the team.

Atlee’s Journey to Columbus

Atlee’s path to Ohio State kicked off in April 2024 when the Buckeyes offered her a spot. She visited Columbus a couple of times, including a fun trip in September 2024 to watch the football team crush Marshall and another in February 2025 to see an epic overtime win against Iowa. Those visits sealed the deal. “The coaches are awesome, and it’s such a great program,” Atlee shared with Rivals. “I really think they’ll help me grow as a player. My dream is to play pro ball someday, and I feel like Ohio State will get me there.”

A Star at Westtown and Beyond

At Westtown School, Atlee has been a standout, helping her team dominate with four straight Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association (PAISAA) titles, including a 27-3 season in 2024-25. One of her clutch moments came in December 2024 against Friends’ Central, where she dropped 15 of her 17 points in the second half, including a dagger midrange jumper to seal a 63-54 win. She’s also been shining on the Nike EYBL circuit with Philly Rise, running the offense like a pro and elevating her teammates. Analysts call her a “glue player” who brings it all together.

A Perfect Fit for Ohio State

For Ohio State, Atlee’s commitment is a big deal. With point guards Madison Greene graduating and Kaia Henderson transferring, the Buckeyes need someone like Atlee to step up alongside sophomore guards Jaloni Cambridge and Ava Watson in the 2025-26 season. Coach McGuff has been super strategic about building his roster, and at the 2024 media day, he hinted that 2026 was going to be a big recruiting year after landing five players in 2024 and two in 2025 (Daria Biriuk and Bryn Martin). Atlee is the perfect start to that plan.

Buckeye Nation Buzzing

Buckeye fans are hyped, and it’s easy to see why. Social media is lighting up with posts from places like Land-Grant Holy Land and BoominBuckeyes, with everyone raving about Atlee’s potential to be a difference-maker. She’s got the skills and heart to follow in the footsteps of recent Ohio State stars like Jacy Sheldon, who’s now killing it in the WNBA.

Looking Ahead

Atlee has an official visit planned for August 29-31, 2025, which happens to line up with a massive football game against Texas—talk about a fun weekend in Columbus! Her commitment is just the start for Ohio State’s 2026 class, with Coach McGuff already eyeing other top prospects like small forward Jordyn Jackson, who recently included the Buckeyes in her top six schools.

Chasing Dreams with the Buckeyes

For Atlee, choosing Ohio State is all about chasing her dreams with a program that knows how to develop stars. Buckeye Nation can’t wait to see her light up the Schottenstein Center in 2026, bringing her energy, leadership, and all-around game to the court. This is one commitment worth celebrating!

Sources: On3.com, Land-Grant Holy Land, Sports Illustrated, Buckeyes Wire, City of Basketball Love, and posts on X.

Jaloni Cambridge’s Dazzling Start to the Season: A Freshman Making Waves at Ohio State

A Star is Born: Cambridge's Record-Setting Debut

Ohio State freshman Jaloni Cambridge wasted no time getting a reputation as a force on the hardwood, setting up shop for 31 points in her opener against Cleveland State. Fast, confident, and more than competent from the get-go, Cambridge scored 14 points in just over a quarter of play on two back-to-back treys that set the tone for what would be a high-energy Buckeyes performance. It was a poise in its own right for a freshman, as Cambridge seemed unruffled by the pressure of her first college game. Excitement beat out nervousness, and she helped Ohio State dominate the win, 104-69, by showing she could be a new focal point on both sides of the ball for the Buckeyes.

 

Full-Court Pressure and Scoring Prowess

On the defensive end, Cambridge quickly made an impact with Ohio State’s signature full-court press, which forced multiple turnovers early in the game. Her defensive energy translated seamlessly into offensive opportunities, as she frequently drove coast-to-coast in transition and finished at the rim. She shot an impressive 12-for-14 from the field, hitting a variety of shots that highlighted her versatility, from three-point range to mid-range pull-ups. By halftime, Cambridge had helped Ohio State build a 42-24 lead, and her relentless play continued throughout the game, ultimately leading her team in points, rebounds, assists, and steals.

Building Momentum: Game Two Against Charlotte

One game after her great debut, Cambridge kept her pace going in Ohio State's second game against Charlotte and led to the 94-53 win. Along with teammates Cotie McMahon and Ajae Petty, Cambridge extended her approach into Charlotte's defenses for an ability to be a dynamic playmaker. This early-season adaptability bodes well for her value not as a straight-out scorer, but as a complete player who can enhance the team's versatility on both ends of the court. She exited the game early due to a lower back injury and did not return.

The Road Ahead for Jaloni Cambridge and the Buckeyes

As the season progresses, Cambridge’s rapid adjustment to collegiate basketball is an encouraging sign for Ohio State’s aspirations. Head coach Kevin McGuff praised her work ethic and her “every-play” intensity, a trait he noted is rare for a freshman. With Cambridge’s debut performances setting a new standard, fans and analysts are eager to see how she navigates tougher Big Ten opponents and how her presence will elevate Ohio State’s potential in both conference play and the postseason.

In two games, Cambridge has not only solidified her role on a highly competitive team but has also shown why she was one of the nation’s top recruits. Her mix of athleticism, scoring capability, and defensive prowess has already energized the Buckeyes and raised expectations for an exciting season ahead. 

With Cambridge and Ohio State looking strong, the Buckeye Nation has much to look forward to this year as this young talent continues to make her mark.