Gipson Inks 3 to NLI

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. --- Northeastern State has signed three high school seniors to National Letters of Intent as part of the NCAA's early signing period.

Head coach Randy Gipson received commitments from Courtney Cowan, Melissa Jones and Lexie Lewis on Wednesday. The trio will be incoming freshman in 2012 for the RiverHawks.

"We are delighted with the signing of these three young ladies in this year's early signing period," said Gipson, whose team opens the 2011 campaign next Tuesday, Nov. 15, at home against Northwest Missouri State. "Several months ago we identified them as having the characteristics and talent as players and people who fit the needs of our program."

Cowan is a 5-7 guard from Kansas (Okla.) High School who has averaged 15 points and three steals for the Comets. Kansas was a Class 3A state finalist in 2011.

Jones is a 5-11 forward from West Fork (Ark.) High School. An Arkansas All-Stater as a junior, she averaged 16 points, 10 rebounds and four assists a year ago and helped her team to the Class 3A semifinals.

Lewis is a 6-2 post from Farmington (Ark.) High School. An All-Conference selection as a junior, she averaged 12 points, seven rebounds and two blocks a year ago.

"Lexie (Lewis) will give us a strong, physical presence in the lane," said Gipson. "Courtney (Cowan) is an athletic guard and shooter and Melissa (Jones) possesses the combination of size and athleticism to play multiple positions. All three of our signees come from well-coached, winning programs."

NSU will graduate three seniors this year. Megan Fraley (5-6 guard), Cristy Nitz (5-11 forward) and Jasmine Wright (5-9 guard). Nitz and Wright are four-year letter winners and Fraley is a two-year starter who transferred from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M.