NATCHITOCHES – Head coach Anna Nimz continues to span the globe in the expansion of the Northwestern State women’s basketball brand with the addition of Australian-born Bella Peterson to the next recruiting class.

The 5-foot-8 forward from Pascoe Vale, a suburb of Melbourne, added her name to the next Lady Demon class during the early signing period this month.

Peterson is a three-sport athlete, excelling at both basketball and track & field.

On court she has played in the Victorian Junior Basketball League, the highest level of junior competition in Melbourne, for several year with a VJBL championship and runner up to her name.

She was named defensive player of the year and earned Victorian Metro All-State team honors this past season.

Her athletic ability has been showcased by the more than 80 medals she’s received in seven different tack & field events including the triple jump, 200 meters, hurdles and various relays.

She claimed first in the triple at the state competition in 2019 and grabbed third in the long jump that same year. She was also named the girl’s champion for her school, Box Hill Senior Secondary College, in 2019.

“Bella is going to bring length and incredible speed to our backcourt,” Nimz said. “She is a high-energy player that can score on all three levels and create well off the bounce. Bella is an exciting addition and we can’t wait to get her to campus.”

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