March 14, 2006

STERLING, Va. - Hardin-Simmons' junior forward Sonya West and sophomore center Mardochee Jean have been named to the D3hoops.com All-Region team for Division III basketball. Shanna Briggs was named the South region coach of the year.

West, who averages 11.7 points and 9.7 rebounds, led the Cowgirls to the NCAA Final Four. She was named to the second team. Jean was named to the third team as a center after averaging 13.4 points, 10.1 rebounds and he had a school record 99 blocks on the season.

Players were nominated by the Sports Information Directors at the various schools, who were contacted several times as the season wound down to remind them to make their players eligible. A total of 599 players were nominated nationwide.

The ballot was then made available to SIDs, who voted for 10 players in their region. SIDs voted for six frontcourt players and four backcourt players and the top vote-getters at each position were named to the All-Region team.

"We are thankful to the Sports Information Directors across Division III who took the time to nominate and vote to provide broader recognition to these worthy student-athletes," said D3hoops.com publisher Pat Coleman. "Their continued help and participation is integral to the All-Region team and everything else we do."

A regional Player of the Year and Coach of the Year were selected in each region for the first time, the Player of the Year as the top vote-getter in each region and the Coach of the Year in consultation with regional members.