Madison Hayes and Rickea Jackson reunite for NCAA Tournament clash

NC State senior guard Madison Hayes started her career at Mississippi State alongside Tennessee senior forward Rickea Jackson. They competed in practice constantly after previously teaming up on Team USA’s U18 3×3 squad. 

They will share the court together again as competitors Monday when NC State meets Tennessee in the NCAA Tournament round of 64. Hayes is in the middle of a breakout year with career highs in points and rebounds per game. Jackson will likely hear her name called within the first five picks of the 2024 WNBA draft. 

Hayes played her freshman season in the SEC. Jackson, a sophomore at the time, thought highly of the Wolfpack guard, highlighting her hustle and effort at all times. 

“I’ve always said Madison is one of the hardest players I’ve ever played with,” Jackson told TheWolfpacker.com. “She is hard-nosed, she will run through a wall, she goes hard.”

Jackson is averaging 19.7 points and 8.1 rebounds per game for Tennessee as a versatile forward. ESPN projects her as the No. 3 pick in this year’s draft.  

Her former teammate and current NC State standout was quick to compliment Jackson as well. Hayes often guards the best player on the opposing team. For Monday’s game, that could mean matching up against her former teammate. 

“It’ll be a challenge, but I’m excited for it,” Hayes said. “Hopefully she’s excited too.”

Tennessee’s superstar forward said Hayes was the “ultimate hype man” and the glue of their team at Mississippi State. She complimented the guard’s rebounding motor, her constant effort in practice and even her leadership as a freshman. 

“I’ve always said ‘Dang, I wish I could play with her again’ because she was one of my favorite teammates to play with,” Jackson said. 

During their lone season together at Mississippi State, they both played key roles in the Bulldogs’ rotation. They finished the shortened 2020-2021 season 10-9. Head coach Nikki McCray-Penson stepped down due to health reasons later that year. 

Both players transferred over the next couple of years. Hayes landed at NC State in 2021, while Jackson stayed in the SEC and joined the Volunteers in 2022. Their paths crossed in preseason exhibition games, but this will be their first time competing against each other when it counts.

Hayes is one of the ACC’s top defenders while also pulling down 7.1 rebounds per game at 6-0 and knocking down 40.9 percent of her threes. Jackson stands 6-2, so she is a tall, skilled matchup for the Wolfpack guard. Hayes is ready to embrace that showdown, and she broke down her strategy for Monday. 

“Just playing her tough,” Hayes said. “I’ve got to be physical with her. She’s a little bit bigger than me, just got to try to deny her the ball some because, when she gets the ball, I’ve got to really play tough defense, which I’m a huge fan of…She’s a great player all around, so I’m excited to play her.”

NC State head coach Wes Moore said Sunday that he has not asked Hayes about the matchup with Jackson. She’s an All-SEC first team player, and the staff has watched plenty of film on the forward. 

“I think it’s pretty obvious,” Moore said. “I think she’s projected to be top two or three in the WNBA draft, so you kind of know what you’re getting there.”

Jackson dominated in her first NCAA Tournament game against Green Bay, blowing out the Phoenix in-part thanks to her 26 points and 9 rebounds. Hayes has guarded taller players throughout the season and played power forward for the Pack when River Baldwin and Mimi Collins missed games with injuries. 

She’s prepared to out-work Tennessee Monday afternoon. The competitive drive between Hayes and Jackson stood out when they were together in the SEC. Jackson said they usually played on the same teams but, when they competed against each other, it was always a fun opportunity. 

“When we were on opposite teams, it was very competitive,” Jackson said. “My team always won though.”