Camille Downs and Tamara Nard named First Team All-Region VI

After a Region VI Championship in early March and a birth to the NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball National Tournament that would eventually get cancelled, Tamara Nard and Camille Downs have been named to the First Team All-Region VI team announced by the Region office Wednesday afternoon.

Tamara Nard, freshman center and Camille Downs, sophomore guard, led the Grizzlies to back to back KJCCC East Titles and Region VI Titles this season posting a 25-8 record and an 18-5 Region VI record. Butler defeated Neosho, Seward and Barton in a four day span in the Region VI Tournament in Dodge City, KS to win the programs second ever Region VI Championship and the third ever trip to the NJCAA National Tournament.

"These two deserve everything they continue to get recognized for," commented 12^th year head coach Mike Helmer. "They both have worked so hard this year and Camille for two seasons at Butler and I am so happy for them. When we needed them to step up they answered the call and were two of the best players in this region."

Tamara Nard, freshman center from Chicago, IL, finished the season averaging 16.2 points per game, leading the Grizzlies in scoring. She shot 58.1% from the floor on the season while grabbing 6.5 rebounds per game. She had a career high 33 points late in the season on the road against Neosho. Nard posted 20+ points in a game on ten separate occasions.

"I am so proud of T (Tamara) and all she has accomplished this season," said head coach Mike Helmer. "If she puts her mind to something, she can do it and I am really looking forward to watching her continue to grow and mature as a player."

Camille Downs, sophomore guard from Fredricksburg, VA, brought sophomore leadership and championship game experience to the team this season. Whenever a big shot or play needed to happen, Downs was always involved. Downs was third on the team in scoring averaging 12.0 points per game but led the team in rebounding with 6.7 per game. She also averaged a team high 3.2 assists per game. Downs was second in the KJCCC in steals this season with 102, an average of 3.1 per game.

"Camille helped us win conference and Region VI a year ago, and she did it again this season," mentioned Helmer. "She is a special player who can make special plays and came up big for us a lot this season."

Nard and Downs make up two of the five spots on the first team list joining Brittany Reeves (two-time award winner) from Independence, Abby Ogle from Hutchinson and Faith Simpson of Coffeyville.

2020 NJCAA REGION VI WOMEN'S BASKETBALL ALL-REGION – DIVISION I

*Denotes two-time All-Region selection

2020 NJCAA REGION VI WOMEN'S BASKETBALL ALL-REGION – DIVISION II

*Denotes two-time All-Region selection