Nard named Most Valuable Player and Helmer wins Coach of the Year for the third straight season; Four Grizzlies pick up post season honors

Heading to the NJCAA Div. I Women's Basketball tournament and winning their third-straight KJCCC East title, Butler leads the KJCCC East in All-Conference selections landing four on the postseason list with a Co-Most Valuable Player and Coach of the Year.

For the third-straight year, Butler head coach Mike Helmer was selected as the Jayhawk East Coach of the Year after leading his team to a 20-3 overall record, 18-2 in KJCCC action and the Grizzlies third consecutive KJCCC East championship along with the Grizzlies third straight season attending the NJCAA Div. I National Tournament.

Tamara Nard, sophomore forward from Chicago, IL, was selected as Co-Most Valuable Player along with Coffeyville's Faith Simpson. Nard, who was Freshman of the Year a season ago and honorable mention All-American, led the Grizzlies to a third-straight KJCCC East title and another trip to the NJCAA Div. I National Tournament. Nard averaged 12.8 points per game shooting 48% on the season. She averaged 7.7 rebounds per game and had 32 blocks on the season. Nard was a strong defensive presence inside all season long as Butler led the NJCAA in FG% defense keeping teams to an average of under 30% shooting all season long. Nard was also was named a First Team All-KJCCC selection.

Skyla Knight, sophomore transfer from Los Angeles, CA, was the Grizzlies other First Team All-KJCCC selection after her stellar season with the Grizzlies. Knight led the Grizzlies in scoring this season averaging 14.6 points per game scoring with four 20+ point performances. Knight was second in KJCCC play in FG% shooting 50.6% in conference action. The sophomore transfer from Little Rock, averaged 3.7 rebounds per game and 2.9 assists to go along with her 2.8 steals per game.

Paris Mullins, sophomore transfer out of Miami, FL, was selected as a Second Team All-Conference player after her solid season in the purple and gold. Mullins averaged 10.2 points per game and 5.7 rebounds a game. Mullins was a threat not only on the inside, but she could knock down the mid-range and outside shot as well. Mullins made four three in a contest late in the season and finished with six three-pointers made on the year.

Kaylee Nero, freshman out of Oklahoma City, OK, stepped up big in games this season for the Grizzlies coming off the bench all season earning her Honorable Mention All-KJCCC honors. Nero gave the Grizzlies solid minutes off the bench averaging 8.6 points per game and 3.7 rebounds a game. Nero had a season high 25 points in a March 24 matchup at Neosho leading the Grizzlies to a 100-54 victory on the road.

Four players on the All-KJCCC list if the most for Butler since the 20-18-19 season.

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