After leading the Grizzlies to their second consecutive KJCCC East championship, a Region VI title and a return trip to the NJCAA Div. I National Tournament, freshman center Tamara Nard has been selected as the KJCCC East 'Freshman of the Year.'
"Tamara has been amazing this year," said head coach Mike Helmer. "I am so proud of her for what she has been able to accomplish. She has come a long was and all of her hard work has paid off."
Nard finished the season averaging 16.2 points per game, the 6th highest in the KJCCC. She was fourth in the KJCCC and 24th in the NJCAA in FG% connecting on 58.1% of her shots. Nard averaged 6.5 rebounds per game and was third in the KJCCC in blocks finishing with 43 on the year.
Late in the season, Nard went on a six-game stretch of scoring 20+ points. She had a career high on February 12 on the road against Neosho where she scored 33 points. In the Region VI semifinal game against #16 Seward County, Nard only played 17 minutes but made her presence known scoring 22 points off 7-9 shooting and 8-11 from the free-throw line.
"This award and recognition mean a lot to me," said freshman Tamara Nard. "It shows me that I am able to do anything I put my mind to if I just work hard for it."
Nard's consistent down low presence this season helped lead the Grizzlies to 25 wins, a conference championship, a Region VI championship and a return trip to Lubbock, TX.
