JMU's 5'4" Playmaking Dynamo with Elite Vision and Defensive Fire
Junior guard Zakiya Stephenson is lighting up the court for James Madison in 2025-26, averaging 7.9 PPG, 2.3 RPG, and a team-high 4.1 APG with 28.0 MPG as a near-every-game starter, showcasing her growth from a freshman bench spark at Ole Miss (2.8 PPG, 11.8 MPG in 2023-24).[1][3][4] Her differentiator? Explosive playmaking and steals prowess—high school roots include 7.3 SPG and leading Princess Anne to back-to-back VA state titles—translating to JMU's fast-paced attack with poise beyond her 5'4" frame.[2][6] No major injury flags; her intensity and leadership make her a steal for teams needing a gritty, high-IQ floor general who elevates teammates.
