MSU-Northern Coach Shawn Huse has announced the signing of 6-foot-2 Guard, Cinque (Cin-qway) Maxwell of University Place, Washington.  An outstanding student and leader at Skagit Valley CC this year, the Cardinal reached the NWAC Final Four with a record of 26-6.  In his one season there, he averaged 10.6 points per game while shooting 53.6 percent from the field, 36.1 percent from the three-point line, and had a season high 20 markers in the Cardinals Final 4 game. In the words of legendary Coach Carl Howell of Skagit Valley, "Cinque epitomizes what being a great teammate is all about. He has been a leader since the moment he stepped on campus, and was an impact player on one of the best teams in school history."
 
An important performer on both ends of the floor, he previously played at Curtis High School helping them earn back-to-back 4A State Titles in 2022 and 2023.  The 2023 team also earned a spot in the National Invitational in Washington DC.  While at Curtis, Cinque was named 1^st Team All-South Puget Sound, and in his career scored 1,024 points … averaging 12.9 per game, 4.5 rebounds per game, 2.4 assists per game, and 1.3 steals per game.
 
A great leader both on and off the court, Cinque is an outstanding student in the classroom.  Having done the Running Start program his senior year of high school, he is earning his AA degree in just one year of Community College.  At Northern, he will be earning his Business degree primarily, while looking to also work on his Integrated Health Science degree.
 
Coach Huse echoes Coach Howell's sentiments and more, when it comes to Cinque now being a part of Northern nation.  "Cinque is another guy whom we love to have in the room.  I would describe him as extremely coachable and someone that knows basketball and school and everyday life all go hand in hand.  I truly believe his best work on the court lies ahead.  His leadership ability, high level of character, remarkable speed, athleticism, skills, and attention to detail are the attributes that have helped him help his teams be successful in the past … and are traits needed to consistently win 4-year conference games and more."
 
MSU-Northern is coming off a challenging injury-laden season, graduating two senior starters, one of which was unable to compete in conference play due to his surgery … and returns a great deal of experience from the 2023-24 team.