UNT Women’s Basketball Adds Three in Early Signing Period

Ross Hodgeson · November 8, 2023

Looks like Coach Jason landed some good ones!

UNT Women’s Basketball head coach Jason Burton and his staff announced the signing of three in-state guards during the early signing period on Wednesday.

The class contains two high school signees, Gwendlyn McGrew and Chania Price, and junior college All-American, Mackenzie Buss.

“We are getting two really good players with our high school recruits and with Mackenzie we are getting a ready-made point guard that can play right away,” Burton said. “We are extremely excited about this class and I thought we knocked it out of the park being able to add quality depth to our backcourt.”

Mackenzie Buss I 5-4 I Guard I Collin College/Lake Dallas High School

A junior college signee, Mackenzie Buss played and started in 30 games during the 2022-23 season as a true freshman. She was named an NJCAA Honorable Mention All-American and a first-team all-conference member. While averaging 12.5 points per game and converting on 39.7% of her 3-point attempts, she helped lead the Lady Cougars to a school record 29 wins and their first at-large bid to the NJCAA National Basketball Tournament. Following the season, Buss was invited to the 2023 Juco Top 40 Event that features the top 40 junior college freshman in the country.

Three games into her sophomore season, Buss is averaging 14.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. Throughout her career at Collin College, she has shown a willingness to rebound from the point guard position highlighted by recording a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds in the second game of her career against Paris Junior College.

Buss, a product of Lake Dallas High School, was a two-time Denton Record-Chronicle All-Area selection and led Lake Dallas to an appearance in the regional finals as a senior.

Quoting UNT head coach Jason Burton:

“We thought it was important to bring in a point guard knowing we are losing Dyani Robinson after the season and we want to continue have experience and depth at that position. It was important for us to get someone who can play fast and that is something Mackenzie does. She was a JUCO All-American her first year and led Collin to one of the best seasons in school history, and then she is a hometown product from right up the road in Lake Dallas. To be able to get somebody who is dynamic like her, that is a three-level scorer and can play at the tempo we want to play and defend on or off the ball, we are extremely excited.”

Quoting Collin College head coach Jeff Allen:

“We are very excited that Mackenzie has signed with UNT. I have known coach Burton for a long time, and I think it is a great fit. She puts in a lot of hard work and I truly believe she is one of the best junior college point guards in the country.”

Gwendlyn McGrew I 6-0 I Guard I Pasadena Memorial High School

A lengthy guard from Pasadena, Texas, Gwendlyn McGrew is one of the best players in the state. Ranked as the No. 14 recruit in Texas by Premier Basketball, McGrew is a college-ready signee capable of playing anywhere from point guard to power forward.

As a freshman, she received a plethora of accolades that included being named a first-team all-district selection and the district’s Newcomer of the Year. Following an injury that caused her to miss most of her junior season, McGrew is set to lead Pasadena Memorial this season and is on pace to surpass 1,000 points in her career.

Quoting UNT head coach Jason Burton:

“I think we’re bringing in the best shooter in the state of Texas in her class. Gwen stays in the gym. She is a gym rat. She is 6-foot and can play multiple positions. What is so great about her is we can play her one through four. She is probably more of a big guard for us, but she has the ability to go up to the four. We’re losing DesiRay Kernal, who is such a versatile player, and I think we’re getting that versatility and more in Gwen because she can play the point guard position. I think we’re getting a steal because prior to her injury in high school she was one of the highest-ranked players in Texas and is still ranked No. 14 in the class right now. She is somebody that is a ready to go freshman right away and she will be an impact for us because of her versatility and her ability to score.”

Quoting Pasadena Memorial head coach Jennifer Azul:

“Gwendlyn McGrew is not just an exceptional basketball player, but also an inspiring individual. Her hard work and determination have not only brought success to our team but also have inspired us all. The imprint Gwendlyn leaves at Pasadena Memorial is profound and lasting. Her talent and leadership have not only elevated our basketball program but have also left an indelible mark on our school’s sports legacy. Her impact will be felt for years to come, and we are fortunate to have had her as part of our school’s athletic community. Gwendlyn isn’t just a remarkable basketball player; she’s like family to us. Her dedication to the game is like no other I’ve seen and she brings a special kind of energy to our community. We’re fortunate to have her as part of our basketball family, and we can’t wait to see her continue to light up the court with her talent and passion.”

Chania Price I 6-0 I Guard I Fort Worth Brewer High School

Chania Price is a local product hailing from Fort Worth, Texas, where she plays for coach Teranie Lewis at Brewer High School. A versatile and lengthy athlete who excels on both ends of the floor, Price is tabbed the No. 53 recruit in Texas by Premier Basketball. She was a first-team all-district selection as a junior, while leading the Lady Bears to a district championship and an appearance in the regional quarterfinals.

Quoting UNT head coach Jason Burton:

“It was important with this class to bring in people that not only fit our culture on the court but also off of it. Chania is a person that will bring us length and versatility. She can play multiple positions and will fit into what we want to do on both the offensive end and defensive end. She is also someone with elite character, excels in the classroom and is committed to being the very best version of herself. She will be a valuable addition and a culture carrier for our program.”

Quoting Fort Worth Brewer head coach Teranie Lewis:

“I am so proud of Chania and her commitment to the University of North Texas women’s basketball program. I am looking forward to watching her excel in her college career. It has been a pleasure to coach Chania and be a witness to her accomplishments. She is such a joy to be around and she will bring amazing things to the program.”