By Rob Everingham
C.M. Russell standout Nichole Neill will be joining the Northern women's basketball program next season, Skylights head coach Ray Peters announced Wednesday.
Neill is currently a senior as CMR High School in Great Falls.
Neill is a three-sport athlete, competing in girls' basketball, volleyball and track.
In basketball, Neill was named the Rustlers' best defensive player three years in a row, made the All-State Tournament team, was named to two all-conference teams, and was a three-year starter at CMR and a team captain.
Neill was also a state champion in volleyball, as well as a second team all-conference selection, and All-State honorable mention. She played two years at the varsity level.
In track, she placed first at divisional and placed fourth at state in the high jump. She was on the state track team for four years and was named all-conference.
Peters said Neill is a very athletic player and will become a very good Frontier Conference player.
"She fits well into our program," Peters said.
At 5-foot-9, Peters said, Neill can guard the bigger post players as well as play good perimeter defense.
"She loves to be in the gym," Peters said.
Neill is a very solid defensive player at the point position, Peters said, but will become a great defensive player.
Neill is a team leader and just loves to play the game, Peters said.
"You don't have to worry about her getting into the gym and working on her game," Peters said.
CMR head coach Kerry Parson said Neill has great potential to become a good Frontier Conference player.
"I think she will be eager to learn," Parson said.
Parson also said Neill is very coachable and a tough player with a lot of athletic ability.
"She can only get better," Parson said.
