Lady Demons collect more ‘proven winners’ with CSI hoops additions

NATCHITOCHES – One common thread among the Northwestern State signees from both the fall and spring signing periods is each are already proven winners.

Head coach Anna Nimz and staff added two more to that thread on Wednesday with the addition of guard Karmelah Dean and post player Jordan Todd.

Teammates at the College of Southern Idaho, Dean and Todd were integral parts of the Golden Eagles’ Region 18 Championship and run to this year’s NJCAA National Tournament in Lubbock, Texas.

A presence around the basket, Todd led CSI with 15 points and seven rebounds in its 83-57 win against Snow College to advance to the national tournament. On the season the Second-Team All-Region 18 player put in 9.5 points and pulled down a team-best 6.9 rebounds per game. She also set the school record with 23 rebounds in a game earlier this season.

“Jordan provides great skill and size around the rim,” Nimz said. “She has a tremendous work ethic and is a post player that is not afraid to get on the floor. Just having Jordan on the court will create instant scoring and rim protection.”

In two seasons at CSI, Todd converted on 57 percent of her shots from the floor, averaged 7.8 points and 6.3 rebounds playing just 18.4 minutes per game.

One of the top players in Region 18, Dean is a two-time First-Team All-Region guard that averaged 11.3 points and 3.0 assists this year. She also led the team in steals at nearly two per game. She started the season scoring in double figures in each of the first 10 games including a season-best 20 in the third game of the year.

“Karmelah is a downhill player that can create off the bounce for her team or for herself,” Nimz said. “She is a great point guard with the ability to move off the ball. She is someone that can be counted on when a bucket is needed. Adding Mel to our roster allows us to be a threat from the perimeter and at the rack.”

The duo was good for 20.8 points per game this season making 47 percent of their shots from the field and 69 percent from the free throw line.

The seven signees to date have multiple high school state championships, region championships, all-region selections and player of the year honors among them.

“I am beyond excited for these additions to our program,” Nimz said. “Every one of these players are proven winners. These young ladies have helped lead their teams to national tournaments, conference titles and national rankings.

“They understand what it takes to have success and embody the work ethic and skill-set that will help move this program forward. Winners know how to win.”