May 9, 2007

THIBODAUX, La. - Nicholls head women's basketball coach Mark Cook announced Wednesday afternoon that Christie Bryant and Mycal Smith have signed National Letters of Intent to play for the Lady Colonels next season.

Bryant and Smith join Arkeyea Wiggins who signed earlier this year.

A 6-0 forward, Bryant comes to Nicholls from Merced College in Merced, Calif. As a freshman, Bryant earned All-Central Valley Conference First Team honors, and went on to lead her team in points per game (15.9) and rebounds per game (11.0) as a sophomore.

"Christie is an experienced post player who is expected to see playing time for us next year," said Cook. "In addition to being able to run the floor well, she is a good shooter down low, but isn't afraid to pull out and shoot from the wing. We are looking forward to seeing her in a Lady Colonel uniform next year."

Smith, a 6-0 post player, hails from Memphis, Tenn., where she was a four-year letterwinner at Ridgeway High School. Despite missing the entire first half of the 2007 season recovering from an injury, Smith was selected to the Tennesseee District 15-3A All-Tournament Team after averaging eight points, 10 rebounds, two blocks and two steals per game. Academically, Smith was a recipient of three U.S. National Achievement Academy Awards in Mathematics, Arts and Leadership and Service.

"Mycal is an exceptional high school player who played very competitive basketball in Memphis," commented Cook. "She is a very strong player on the low block and will be a great asset to our team in her freshman year."

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