February 28, 2008

Mathis Named RMAC Women's Player of the Year

Hinkley Top Defender in the East           

   Kearney, Neb. – For the eighth time since joining the league in 1995, the Nebraska-Kearney women's basketball team has the RMAC Player of the Year.

      Senior forward Amy Mathis, who currently leads the league in three categories, earned the honor today and was one of three Lopers to be named All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC).

      The team, voted on by the league's head coaches, was released earlier today.

      Mathis (Millard North) was selected first-team All-RMAC and first-team all-East Division. Joining her on the top team in the East was junior guard Jade Meads (Elm Creek). Finally, senior forward Melissa Hinkley was named second-team East Division.

      Additionally, Hinkley (Lincoln East) was also named the East Division Defensive Player of the Year with Carol Russell being named the East Coach of the Year.

      Mathis is currently leading the RMAC in scoring (17.8), free throw percentage (89.8) and three point percentage (49.2). She also ranks among the Division II top five in free throw and three point shooting.

      The forward is also among the RMAC leaders in rebounds (7.8) and minuets played per game (32.9). And earlier this season, Mathis was named the league's Academic Player of the Year for her 3.84 cumulative GPA.

      Other Lopers to earn the RMAC Player of the Year Award include Allison Kruger (2003 and 2004), Beth Swift (co-2001 and 2002), Darcy Stracke (1999) and Jennifer Warner (1996 and 1997).

      Meads could soon join that "Player of the Year" group as she currently is third in the league in scoring at 15.7 per game. She also is among UNK's leaders in offensive rebounds (70), assists (61) and steals (39).

      Hinkley currently leads the Lopers in blocks (20) and steals (51). For her career, she ranks fifth in UNK history in steals (207) and is 10th in blocks (55).

      The two-sport star is also second on the Lopers in rebounds (6.8) and third in scoring (11.5).

      Last season, Mathis, Meads and Hinkley were all-named honorable mention East Division. In 2005-06, Meads and Hinkley were named to the same team.

      Finally, Russell enters the RMAC Tournament with an 85.1 career winning percentage (131-49). Going 91-23 in RMAC regular season games, she was previously named the 2003 RMAC Coach of the Year.

     UNK (24-5) hosts Regis Friday night in the first round of the RMAC Tournament. The complete All-RMAC team is available at www.rmacsports.org.