FAIRFAX, Va. – George Mason women's basketball head coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis has announced that Nekhu Mitchell and Zahirah Walton have signed their national letters of intent to compete for the Patriots, beginning in 2022-23. 
 
Mitchell, a six-foot forward, hails from the DMV, and plays for McDonogh High School in Owings Mills, Md. 
 
"We're so incredibly excited to be able to recruit our first player from the DMV in Nekhu," said Blair-Lewis. "She's a three-level scorer with a high IQ. She will provide a defensive presence with her ability to rebound at an elite level. We are looking forward to her contributions to the program for years to come."
 
The Baltimore native is a two-time team captain for the Eagles girls' basketball program. She earned First Team All-League honors, and was named MVP of the Rose Classic in 2020.
 
She plays AAU ball for Fairfax Stars under Coach Mike.
 
Walton, a 5-foot-11 guard/forward, comes to Mason from Seattle, Wash., where she plays for Kentlake High School in Kent, Wash. 
 
She previously starred at East Catholic High School where she was named Most Valuable Player as well as First Team All-League. She averaged 15 points, 10 rebounds and two assists per game as a junior.
 
"Our staff is completely overjoyed for ZaZa to join our family," said Blair-Lewis. "She possesses the complete package. Offensively, she is a threat inside and out, both on the wing and in the post. Her defensive physicality is going to be an immediate impact for our program. We are thrilled to welcome her to Mason Nation."
 
Walton was named to the Washington 3A State All-Tournament Team in 2019-20. She led her team to the state semifinals after posting 20 points and 17 rebounds in the quarterfinal round.
 
She also plays AAU for the Northwest Greyhounds under head coach Buck Buchanan.