JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Head coach Addae Houston announced that six players have joined the Lincoln women's basketball team for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
 
Laini Joseph joins the team as a redshirt senior after graduating from Northwest Missouri State University. Aaliyah Smith, who played for Emporia State University last year, joins the Blue Tigers as a sophomore.
 
Lincoln also added four freshmen this offseason. Bella Borgos (Marshalltown, Iowa/West Marshall High School), Anjelle Kerr (Red Oak, Texas/Red Oak High School), Taelyn Smith (Kansas City, Mo./Notre Dame de Sion High School) and Hallie Williamson (Dixon, Ill./Dixon High School) all join the Blue Tigers with four full seasons of eligibility.
 
Joseph, a 5-9 guard, provided quality minutes off the bench for the Bearcats, including scoring 16 points and grabbing seven rebounds to lead NWMSU to a win over No. 15 Fort Hays State. During her career at Cameron High School, she scored over 1,500 points and averaged 20 points, nine rebounds, six assists and three steals per game as a senior. Her most notable game came when she recorded a triple-double with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists against Lathrop. She was named all-conference, all-state,  KMZU Dream Team, KMRN All-Star and St. Joseph News-Press All-First Team following her final season.
 
"Joseph is a scorer, and a playmaker," Houston said. "She will bring experience and versatility to the Blue Tigers' backcourt this season."
 
Smith, a 6-2 center, spent last season playing at Emporia State, a former MIAA rival of the Blue Tigers. Smith earned all-district and Tulsa World Honorable Mention accolades as a senior at Union High School after averaging 9.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game.
 
"Aaliyah will be a strong presence in the middle for us," Houston said. "Her ability to rebound, alter shots and finish inside is exactly what we needed. She has a very high ceiling as a sophomore, and we are excited to see her impact on the court."
 
Borgos, a 5-8 guard, averaged 19.2 points, 4.7 steals and 4.5 assists during her senior season at West Marshall, earning her Times-Republican Girls Basketball Player of the Year honors. Borgos, who scored over 1,000 points for her career, led West Marshall to a 78-19 overall record and two trips to the state tournament.
 
"Bella helped elevate West Marshall's program into one of the top teams in the state for Class 3A with her strong outside shooting and playmaking ability," Houston said.
 
Kerr, a 5-10 forward, finished her senior season ranked 11^th in Texas Class 5A District 15 in three-pointers made. Kerr helped Red Oak to its first appearance in the state championship semifinals since 1977.
 
"Kerr is a versatile forward that has the ability to stretch the floor in transition and the half court," Houston said.
 
Smith, a 5-10 forward, scored over 1,000 points during her tenure at Notre Dame de Sion, and averaged 12.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.5 steals as a senior. A McDonald's All-American nominee, Smith earned multiple all-tournament honors and was named the team's "Culture Champion" in recognition of her leadership.
 
"Smith brings a proven track record of consistency, leadership and competitive fire to the team," Houston said. "Throughout her high school career, she showcased consistent scoring, rebounding and defensive prowess."
 
Williamson, a 6-1 center, was a two-time Sauk Valley Media All-Area first team selection and a two-time all-conference first team honoree. Williamson helped Dixon win at least 25 games in four-straight seasons, culminating with a 29-6 record during her senior campaign.
 
"Hallie was a dynamic presence for Dixon as an efficient scorer and rebounder," Houston said. "Her touch around the basket, and outside shooting makes her a versatile frontcourt addition."