The Northwestern State men’s basketball team’s early signing period began with the addition of an athletic wing who is off to a fast start in his senior season.

Shaun Riley, a forward from Anacoco High School, signed his letter of intent with the Demons on Wednesday, continuing NSU’s longstanding connection with area high schools.

“We are very excited to sign such a talented young man, who is right in our own backyard,” said coach Mike McConathy, whose 22nd season at the helm of the NSU program begins Nov. 25 at No. 14 Texas Tech.

“Shaun fills an identified need within our program. He combines a great, competitive nature with explosive athleticism. He is an above-the-rim player who fits in with the fast pace we want to play in our program.”

The 6-foot-6, 195-pound Riley has helped lead Anacoco to wins in its first three games of the season, averaging 19.6 points and 10 rebounds per game in those contests.

“Shaun attacks the glass on both ends very well, understands the game and is a great teammate,” McConathy said. “He is first-class in every way on and off the court. Shaun will thrive within our program because of his work ethic. He will add value to our team, university and community immediately. We look forward to him wearing NSU purple.”

Riley’s high school coach, Randy Carlisle, echoed McConathy’s sentiments about the athletic wing.

“He is a great athlete who can make an immediate impact at NSU,” said Carlisle, a college teammate of McConathy’s who has won five Louisiana state championships and two Texas state crowns and is approaching 900 career wins.

“He is a classy young man with unlimited potential.”