MOSCOW, Idaho—Idaho women's basketball coach Jon Newlee announced the addition of three student-athletes for the 2017-18 season on Wednesday. Nina Carlson (Post Falls, Idaho), Natalie Klinker (Fairfield, Mont.) and Allison Kirby (Spirit Lake, Idaho), all signed National Letters of Intent, committing to the Vandals for next season. 

"I love the overall class," head coach Jon Newlee said. "I think we addressed all the needs we had. We got a couple of really versatile post players and a great point guard. These three are really going to fill some holes for us in the near future."

Carlson, a 6-3 post, was a Second Team All-Idaho selection in 2016 by the Idaho Statesman. As a junior she averaged 11.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. She was First Team All-IEL League and All-North Idaho selections. She captained the Timberwolves and was selected a Co-Offensive MVP. Carlson also played volleyball and ran track at Lake City. Her parents, Chris and Carey are the head and assistant women's basketball coaches, respectively, at North Idaho College.

"Nina is unbelievably long," Newlee said. "She is able to play inside and out. She can shoot the three and is a very aggressive rebounder. She can finish inside with either hand, which is what I really like. She has an incredibly high basketball IQ."

Klinker, a 6-1 post, is a four-year Academic All-State honoree at Fairfield. Klinker is a three-year varsity starter for the Eagles. She was a 2016 District 1B First Team All-Conference selection and was Class B All-State. Klinker averaged 20.0 points and 13.3 rebounds as a junior. She also was named KSEN's Athletes of the Week for March 16, 2016. Klinker also plays volleyball and is a high-jumper.

"Natalie is a strong, physical post player," Newlee said. "She has an unbelievable motor. She goes hard to the glass every single time. She can really run the floor, but also step out and shoot the basketball. Her best asset is her physicality. She will get in there and battle anybody."

Kirby, a 5-7 guard, averaged 9.8 points, 3.7 steals, 3.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game last season for the Tigers. She was the Idaho Statesman's 2016 3A Player of the Year. She helped lead Timberlake to a 3A State Championship in 2016, scoring nine points in the Tigers' 62-35 win. She has totaled 110 career 3-pointers. Kirby, a three-year varsity starter, is a two-time Intermountain League MVP and a three-time All-State honoree. She averaged 15.9 points per game as a sophomore, guiding Timberlake to a state-runner up finish in 2015. Kirby was two-time league MVP for the Timberlake soccer team and a champion pole vaulter.

"Allison was a huge get for us," Newlee exclaimed. "We needed that spot. I just love the way she sees the floor. She is a great passer in the open court. One of the best I have seen in the last few years. She makes great decisions and attacks the rim in the paint. That is what separates great point guards from average point guards."
 
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