ATLANTA, Ga. - Nevada guard Dellena Criner and Louisiana Tech forward Shanavia Dowdell are two of 52 players named as regional finalists for the 2009 State Farm Coaches' All-America Team.
Criner and Dowdell earned spots on the All-Region 7 team, joining San Diego State guard Jene Morris and Utah guard Morgan Warburton.
Criner, the WAC Defensive Player of the Year for the second year in a row, led Nevada to the championship game of the WAC Tournament, where the Wolf Pack fell to Fresno State. She averaged 14.7 points, 4.5 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game.
The WAC Player of the Year, Dowdell led Louisiana Tech to a share of the WAC regular-season title and a spot in the upcoming Women's National Invitation Tournament. She averages 16.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 54 percent from the field.
The State Farm Coaches' All-America Team selection committee will review the 52 candidates and cut the list to 40 finalists on March 25. Those 40 finalists will be in the running for selection to the 10-member State Farm Coaches' All-America Team.