GREEN & WHITE BASKETBALL

In a career full of adversity, Branndais Agee has strong home finale for MSU women

Brian Calloway
Lansing State Journal
Michigan State's Branndais Agee is accompanied by her mother Yvette, left, and sister, Brianna, as she is introduced for a senior day ceremony following a game against Wisconsin, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018, in East Lansing, Mich. Michigan State won 69-61.

EAST LANSING - Branndais Agee could have easily thrown in the towel.

As the ups and downs kept coming and the injuries kept mounting, Agee kept fighting.

And Wednesday marked one of the final steps for Agee in her six-year career in the Michigan State women's basketball program that's been full of adversity.

Agee has overcome multiple ACL injuries, had pins in her foot and various other ailments during her journey as a Spartan.

She's overcome it to make her mark in the basketball program. And that included turning in her third double-double of the season with 13 points and 14 rebounds while helping the Spartans to a 69-61 victory over Wisconsin on her senior night.

"It's been a great journey," Agee said. "I've had a lot of ups and downs and I think it grew me - especially a lot of my downs. A lot of injuries I went through, a lot of bad games - I think those really helped me grow into the person I am today. A lot of people, they can't handle the tough part of basketball and life. I think I grew a lot with handling that, and I grew more with God and learning that I've got to stay in faith and be patient and just trust him and know that everything that's happening to me is all a part of God's plan."

MSU coach Suzy Merchant praised the way Agee has fought during her six-year journey to become a success story.

"She could have easily given up," Merchant said. "She’s had a couple of pins in her feet, a couple of ACLs, she’s been getting shots in her ankles all year. That kid has really fought through a lot.

"Branndais came in here with something to prove, and I think she’s gotten better every year and she also plays for her family. Her mom is a really special lady and has four kids in that family. Her mom basically raised her on her own. It’s just a really cool success story. Branndais has probably, of all the kids standing here, faced the most adversity and most challenges and has always fought through."

Michigan State's Branndais Agee pushes the ball up court against Wisconsin, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018, in East Lansing, Mich. Michigan State won 69-61.

Teammates have noticed that toughness displayed by Agee. Jenna Allen, Taryn McCutcheon and Lexi Gussert all praised the way Agee has persevered.

"She's just beyond strong," McCutcheon said. "She's so tough and she gets emotional talking about it sometimes, and that just shows how much she actually has been through. For her to stick it out six years - it's difficult to play here for four. Imagine two additional years added on and her injuries nagging her. She's constantly in the training room icing and heating. It's a constant struggle and she still loves it so much. She loves our team and she has so much passion for the game. It just shows how strong she is inside and out."

Agee was one of five seniors recognized Wednesday. Gussert, Kennedy Johnson, Taya Reimer and Kiara Carter were also honored following the victory, which was the second in three games for the Spartans (16-12, 6-9 Big Ten).

Contact Brian Calloway at bcalloway@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @brian_calloway.