Courtesy of Howard University Athletic Media Relations
The Howard University women’s basketball team added three new Bison during the early signing period Wednesday, extending its pipeline through North Carolina.
“I am very happy with this class of signees,” Howard head women’s basketball coach Ty Grace said. “All three young women embody the athletic and academic characteristics we look for in a student-athlete. I am looking forward to their contribution to the program while coaching them in their next chapter at Howard.”
Here is more information on the three newcomers:
Nia Nelson (SC 76ers/Myers Park H.S./Charlotte, N.C.) – 5-foot-10, Guard
Nelson hails from Charlotte, N.C., where she guided the Mustangs to a 19-9 overall record. The 5-foot-10 wing was also a member of the SC 76ers in Columbia, S.C.
“Nia is a long, athletic wing, who really excels in transition,” Grace said. “She is aggressive attacking the rim while getting downhill. Her size and length will help our defense, instantly, because she is so active and disruptive.”
In the classroom, Nelson has maintained a 3.75 grade point average while being a member of the National Honors Society.
“Her versatility will also cause match-up problems,” Grace said. “She leads by example and is a very focused young woman. I cannot wait to see her in a Howard uniform.”
Amirah Allen (Carolina Flames NIKE EYBL/Wakefield H.S./Raleigh, N.C.) – 6-foot-1, Forward
Allen arrives to Howard after excelling as a two-sport student-athlete (basketball and track) at Wakefield H.S. in Raleigh, N.C. On the court, she is a two-time conference champion while earning a state championship in the 4×200 relay.
“Amirah is an athletic forward who can play inside and out,” Grace said. “She has a nice touch around the rim and can knock down the 16 to 17 foot shot. She will impact the game on both ends of the floor for us.”
Academically, Allen has made honor roll every year after accumulating a 4.1 grade point average and became a member of the English Honors Society during her junior year.
“She also plays with great energy, which I love to see,” Grace said. “She is a hard worker with a high ceiling. I’m excited to see her blossom into a tremendous player at Howard.”
Nyla Cooper (Carolina Flames NIKE EYBL/Jack Britt H.S./Fayetteville, N.C.) – 5-foot-9, Guard
In her junior year, Cooper guided Jack Britt H.S. to its first Sandhills 4-A Conference titles in program history. She averaged 12.3 points and 3.2 steals en route to winning 24 games, including 16 straight entering the NCHSAA 4-A playoffs.
“Nyla is a tough, strong combo guard,” Grace said. “She is a facilitator with a scorer’s mentality that knows how to get people involved while finding her own shot when necessary. She can shoot the three, which will help us stretch the floor even more.”
Off the court, Cooper volunteered with Play4Kay and The Kay Yow Run/Walk for Cancer events to fight and bring awareness to breast cancer. She was also involved with Passage Homes for underprivileged youth.
“She is a great addition to our backcourt,” Grace said. “She has the capability to be a leader on and off the court. Her future is very bright at Howard.”
