March 4, 2005

Allendale, Mich. - Grand Valley State junior forward Niki Reams (Jenison, Mich.) was named the 2004-05 GLIAC women's basketball Player of the Year it was announced by the league office Thursday (March 3) night. Reams was also named to the All-GLIAC North Division First-Team, while sophomore guard Erika Ryskamp (Schoolcraft, Mich.) and sophomore center Julia Braseth (East Grand Rapids, Mich.) were tabbed with All-GLIAC Second-Team plaudits. In addition, Reams and Ryskamp were named to the North Division All-Defensive Team.

Reams is averaging 18.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.1 steals in her first season with the Lakers. She has tallied 11 double-doubles this season and is averaging 25.2 points and 8.8 rebounds in the last five games. Reams' 518 points is eighth on the GVSU single-season scoring list, and her 246 rebounds is ninth on the single-season list.

Sophomore guard Erika Ryskamp is averaging 12.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. Erika Rsykamp's 51 made three-pointers is fourth on the GVSU single-season list and her 78 three's in two years currently ranks her 10th on the all-time chart. Ryskamp has scored in double figures in 14-of-her-last-16 games, including seven with 18 points or more. Her 41.1 shooting percentage from three-point land ranks first on the squad. Sophomore forward Julia Braseth is posting 7.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game for the Lakers this season. Braseth has scored in double figures nine times this season and her 51.8 percent shooting percentage ranks second on the squad.

Grand Valley State will host Northern Michigan in the first GLIAC Tournament semifinal Friday (Mar. 4) at 6 p.m. GVSU, ranked first in the latest NCAA DII Great Lakes Regional rankings, is looking for its first-ever GLIAC Tournament Championship.