Eden Golliher

CROOKSTON, Minn. – Eden Golliher’s versatility appealed to the University of Minnesota Crookston women’s basketball program.

The Golden Eagles announced the signing of Golliher, a 6-foot guard and forward at West Iron County, to a national letter of intent.

“Eden is one of the most versatile players a person has even recruited,” said Crookston Coach Mike Roysland. “She has a great basketball IQ and can play multiple positions in our system. Eden will give us great depth and competition at a variety of positions next season. We are very excited about Eden’s future.”

Golliher, an All-UP “Dream Team” pick as a junior, gives the Golden Eagles length and versatility on the wing for Minnesota Crookston. She will help to add size and depth for the Golden Eagles.

Golliher gives Minnesota Crookston 10 players over 5-10 for the 2020-21 season.

The Golden Eagles are coming off a 10-19 mark during the 2018-19 season. Minnesota Crookston started the 2017-18 season off with a 5-1 mark and earned their first-ever regional ranking.

The Golden Eagles have a young squad for the 2019-20 slate with 10 players that are either freshmen or sophomores.

Emily Nelson

HOUGHTON — West Iron County’s Emily Nelson is among five new players added to the Michigan Tech women’s basketball program for the 2020-21 season.

Nelson was joined by Mady Draak (Green Bay, Wis.), Tessa Leece (Ishpeming), Aspen Michelin (Marquette) and Lydia Schaible (Green Bay) have all signed national letters of intent to further their academic and basketball careers as Huskies.

“I’m really happy with our 2020-21 recruiting class,” Michigan Tech Coach Sam Hoyt said. “We signed three Upper Peninsula players and it’s always nice to bring in local talent. I also think this class gives us some more length and versatility at all positions.”

Nelson, a center, averages 12 points per game. She helped lead her team to districts in her freshman, sophomore and junior seasons. She was an All-UP Dream Team honoree as a junior. Nelson is a member of the National Honor Society and plans to major in general studies at Michigan Tech.

“Emily Nelson is a really skilled and mobile post player who can score on the block as well as the perimeter,” Hoyt said. “She brings a great energy and will really add to our team dynamic.”

Mercedes Simmond

HAMMOND, Ind. — Forest Park girls basketball star Mercedes Simmons has signed a letter of intent with Purdue University Northwest.

PNW also announced the signing of Antreee Shelton for the 1920-21 season.

“I am so excited about Mercedes and Antreese joining our family,” said PNW head coach Courtney Locke. “These two young women will make an impact on the court, but I am thankful that they are also great people who will make great teammates.”

Simmons, from Crystal Falls, plans to come to PNW in the fall to study sports psychology.

“I am thrilled to have Mercedes join our family,” said Locke. “From the moment I saw her, I couldn’t wait to get her on the phone. It was a perfect fit and I can’t wait to see Mercedes blossom at PNW. She brings athleticism and length that will make an immediate impact. Her work ethic and defensive presence is exciting to watch.”

Shelton, from Elkhart, Ind, played at Penn High School. She is ranked sixth in her position from the Scouting Indiana report.