Adams Signs with Lincoln University

Kierra Adams, who led the Mid-South Community College Lady Greyhounds in scoring and rebounding in 2014-15, has signed to continue her education and basketball career at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo.

"Kierra was clearly one of our best players this year, and she can certainly be a difference maker at the next level," said Coach Andy Stoglin "Kierra is a very good basketball player and that's why there were a lot of different schools after her. In fact, she had probably five Division I schools interested."

Lincoln University Coach Nicole Collier said she's glad Adams opted to play for the Division II Lady Blue Tigers.

"Kiera is a very talented post player that provides a much-needed inside presence," said Collier, who has served as women's head coach at Lincoln for three years. "Her frame and ability to finish at a high percentage will be an immediate impact when she hits the court. We could not be happier she chose to be a Lady Blue Tiger."

Adams said the LU coaching staff made a tough decision a little easier.

"I'm very excited about signing with Lincoln University. It's a smaller school, and the coaches just embraced me with love and support and really showed that they wanted me to be a part of their program."

"I think I'll be comfortable there. It was a very tough decision between Lincoln and Jackson State University. I just felt like Lincoln provided more for my son and for me."

Adams said she enjoyed her two years at MSCC in spite of the personal challenges she faced.

"I love this school. It's been a tough two years, considering I'm a mother, but I've had great support, great tutors, and great instructors with a lot of understanding. I appreciate everyone that supported me in the classroom and all the people who supported me and my teammates at the games."

Stoglin said he enjoyed the opportunity to coach Adams.

"If you listen to coaches talk about players, every once in a while you'll hear them say, 'This person is better as a person than they are as player.' There's no question about that with Kierra."

"I don't care what kind of athlete you are that ball's going to stop bouncing one day. The kind of character you have and the person you are will take you a lot further. When Kierra stops playing basketball, she's going to go far because of the person that she is."

Adams averaged 21.6 points a game while shooting 56.3% from the field for the Lady Greyhounds. She also pulled down 12.3 rebounds a contest and blocked 2.1 shots per game. The West Memphis native and former Lady Blue Devil standout will receive a full scholarship to play for the NCAA Division II Lady Blue Tigers who compete in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association.

As a freshman at MSCC, Adams earned National Junior College Athletic Association Division II Women's Player of the Week honors in January 2014. She averaged 25.6 points, 16.6 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and one assist per game in contests against Division I opponents Dyersburg State and Jackson State Community College (Tennessee) and Division II foe North Arkansas College.

"I tried to do what I could to keep us in the games," Adams said. "I tried to encourage my teammates to not give up and keep going strong."

In her first year for the Lady Greyhounds, she led the team in points, rebounds, blocked shots and field goal percentage while earning All-Region honors for a team that captured its first Region 2 championship.

Adams averaged 20.9 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.3 blocks and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 47.9% from the field despite facing double-team defenses almost every time she took the court. She also connected on 65.6% of her free throws as a freshman.

A two-time All-Conference player for Coach Sheila Burns at West Memphis High School, Adams led the Lady Blue Devils to the state tournament her senior year while pacing the team in points, rebounds and blocked shots on her way to All-State honors.

The Blue Tigers, who finished 12-14 this past season, are hoping Adams can fill the shoes of 6-0 senior forward Kate Frazier who started all 26 games in 2014-15. Frazier averaged 10.2 points a game while shooting 56.5% from the floor and grabbed 4.2 rebounds per contest.

In addition to Lincoln, which was founded in 1866, other members of the MIAA include Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, Lindenwood University, Missouri Southern State University, Missouri Western State University, Northeastern State University, Northwest Missouri State University, Pittsburg State University, Southwest Baptist University, the University of Central Missouri, the University of Central Oklahoma, the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and Washburn University.