MSU-Northern Coach Shawn Huse has announced the signing of 6-foot-1 Guard, Keaine (Key-On) Silimon from Mill Creek, Washington. Keaine helped the Thunderbirds reach the NWAC Final Four with an overall record of 21-11. This season Keaine averaged 10.9 PPG while shooting 47.5% from the field, and 36.6 percent from three-point range. He also averaged 4.9 RPG, 2.6 APG, and added 1.1 SPG. Notable performances from Keaine include an explosive season high 27-point performance on January 18^th vs Centralia where he knocked down 5 of 8 three pointers, while also adding 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals to go along with his scoring outburst. Keaine was also crucial in their Elite 8 win over Spokane on March 8^th, where he poured in 17 points going 4 of 5 from three, while also adding 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal to help Highline clinch their spot in the NWAC Final Four.
 
Coach Huse when it comes to Keaine joining the Northern Lights. "Keaine is a fantastic teammate and leader. What stood out to us in the recruiting process was the fact that he works hard the entire time he is on the court. He makes plays at all levels, while placing great value on each possession.  Simply put, he plays what I call 'winning basketball.'  He knows what it takes for a team to be successful in a college basketball game.". A great leader both on and off the court, Keaine is also a tremendous student who will no doubt make just as big of an impact on campus and in the classroom as he does on the court. At Northern, Keaine will be earning his business degree with a primary focus in marketing, finance, and management. This past year at Highline, Keaine was also a member of the golf team and did an outstanding job managing his extremely full schedule with both sports on top of a full class slate.
 
Coach Huse also had this to say about Keaine's ability and overall character, "Keaine is a tough competitor and leader in all the positive ways that help a team.  He has been raised and coached the right way growing up and at Highline CC.  His poise, coachability, and communication are exceptional and we look forward to watching him excel personally, while bringing out the best in his teammates around him."
 
MSU-Northern is coming off an unusually challenging season. One that began with a key injury in their starting lineup and lingered all year. Northern will be graduate six seniors, return a solid core of players, and are making great additions to their roster this off-season including Keaine.