Nikki Perkins commits to Cleveland State October 27

R E G I O N R O U N D B A L L R E V I E W

Jeff's Nikki Perkins commits
to Cleveland State

October 27, 2000

Lafayette Jeff senior Nikki Perkins has made a verbal commitment to Cleveland State University. Averaging 13.6 points and an amazing 6.7 assists per game last season, she also had game highs of 27 points against Connersville and 14 assists against Marion. The capable 5'6 guard made a name for herself in AAU basketball this past June at the Indiana State Finals, enough so to be named by Indiana AAU as the 18U Outstanding Participant for 2000.

We asked Nikki about her decision to commit to Cleveland State and about the upcoming high school season:

RRR: Why did you decide on Cleveland State?

Nikki: I chose Cleveland State because I felt very comfortable with all the coaches and I fell in love with the Convocation Center where they play their home games. The coaches treated me so nice and I also liked all the girls a lot. They are a lot like me. Cleveland also plays a transition game like I am used to at Jeff. I also appreciated the fact that after just seeing me play one time and watching my tape one time, they quickly responded in offering me a full scholarship because they felt I fit into their type of game. It all happened in a two week period where other schools I had been talking with for several months didn't seem to fit as well. Another factor is the other girls that have committed to Cleveland are of very good talent and are all from Indiana.

RRR: What other schools were you considering?

Nikki: The other schools I was being recruited by were James Madison University, Indiana State, Bradley and Christian Brothers.

RRR: What was the biggest help in getting a scholarship?

Nikki: My goal has always been to play at the Division 1 level and by playing this summer for Indiana's Finest AAU, I feel I really improved my game in many aspects. I worked very hard with my high school coach over the summer every day to up my game for college and am continuing that now. The competition at State in AAU and in Nationals was really good to play in. I also attended several shootouts which helped a lot, too.

RRR: What is the outlook for Lafayette Jeff this season?

Nikki: Our team outlook is real good this year considering we have myself and Julie Shirley who has verbally committed to Evansville. We have both played together since middle school. Liz Honegger is only a sophomore who is strong and real good. She started as a freshman last year. We also have two 6'0 girls under the basket to help us. All of them have varsity experience and should be a factor for us. We were young last year and I was injured part of the season, but this year we hope to advance far into the tournament.