California State University Northridge Athletics
Photo by: Juan Ocampo
Matador Women's Hoops Adds Pair of Front Court Players
11/12/2015 8:04:00 AM | Women's Basketball
CSUN Signs Lauren Shymkewicz and Eliza Matthews
NORTHRIDGE, Calif. --- The CSUN women's basketball program has signed a pair of front court players to National Letters of Intent, Matador head coach Jason Flowers announced. Lauren Shymkewicz is a 6-3 product from Ralston, NE while Eliza Matthews is a 6-1 local product from Long Beach.Â
"We are excited that Eliza and Lauren have chosen to pursue their dreams at CSUN," Flowers said. "They are both great young women who will uphold the tradition of our program on, and off, court."
Shymkewicz has had a prolific prep career at Ralston High School. As a sophomore, she set a school single-game record for rebounds (19) and averaged a double-double in points and rebounds. As a junior, Shymkewicz averaged another double-double, scoring 10.4 points to go with 11.2 rebounds per game. She also blocked over three shots per game in both seasons and served as a standout pitcher for the Ralston softball team.
"Lauren is a strong post player who makes her presence felt, in the paint, on both ends of the floor. She is a very good rebounder and shot blocker. Offensively she has good hands and finishes through contact," Flowers said. "We are looking forward to her impacting the game in a variety of ways."
Shymkewicz earned All-Area Honorable Mention honors from Nebraska Prep Zone and was a member of the Lincoln-based Nebraska Lasers National Gold senior girls basketball select team. She aspires to be a physical therapist after her playing career is over.Â
Matthews is a local product from Long Beach Poly High School. As a junior with the Jackrabbits, she averaged a double-double, scoring 12.6 points to go with 10.9 rebounds per contest. She also posted over two steals and two blocks per game for the perennial state power.
"Eliza is a great athlete who plays as hard as any high school player anywhere. She is an outstanding rebounder and defender who will be able to guard multiple positions because of her length and quickness," Flowers explained. "Offensively she is a very good finisher in the paint with developing perimeter skills. We expect her to add versatility on both ends of the floor."
ESPN lists Matthews as a three-star prospect with an overall grade of 90 and a national rank of 20 at the forward position. After the season, she earned First Team All-Area honors from the Long Beach Press-Telegram and was a Second Team All-CIF selection with current Matador Nautica Morrow. Matthews also earned CalHiSports All-State Second Team honors among all juniors.Â
The two will join the Matadors in the 2016-17 season and will combine with a guard-heavy freshmen class this season to give the Matadors good versatility in the future.
"We are excited that Eliza and Lauren have chosen to pursue their dreams at CSUN," Flowers said. "They are both great young women who will uphold the tradition of our program on, and off, court."
Shymkewicz has had a prolific prep career at Ralston High School. As a sophomore, she set a school single-game record for rebounds (19) and averaged a double-double in points and rebounds. As a junior, Shymkewicz averaged another double-double, scoring 10.4 points to go with 11.2 rebounds per game. She also blocked over three shots per game in both seasons and served as a standout pitcher for the Ralston softball team.
"Lauren is a strong post player who makes her presence felt, in the paint, on both ends of the floor. She is a very good rebounder and shot blocker. Offensively she has good hands and finishes through contact," Flowers said. "We are looking forward to her impacting the game in a variety of ways."
Shymkewicz earned All-Area Honorable Mention honors from Nebraska Prep Zone and was a member of the Lincoln-based Nebraska Lasers National Gold senior girls basketball select team. She aspires to be a physical therapist after her playing career is over.Â
Matthews is a local product from Long Beach Poly High School. As a junior with the Jackrabbits, she averaged a double-double, scoring 12.6 points to go with 10.9 rebounds per contest. She also posted over two steals and two blocks per game for the perennial state power.
"Eliza is a great athlete who plays as hard as any high school player anywhere. She is an outstanding rebounder and defender who will be able to guard multiple positions because of her length and quickness," Flowers explained. "Offensively she is a very good finisher in the paint with developing perimeter skills. We expect her to add versatility on both ends of the floor."
ESPN lists Matthews as a three-star prospect with an overall grade of 90 and a national rank of 20 at the forward position. After the season, she earned First Team All-Area honors from the Long Beach Press-Telegram and was a Second Team All-CIF selection with current Matador Nautica Morrow. Matthews also earned CalHiSports All-State Second Team honors among all juniors.Â
The two will join the Matadors in the 2016-17 season and will combine with a guard-heavy freshmen class this season to give the Matadors good versatility in the future.
Players Mentioned
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