NATCHITOCHES – Twins Austin and Dustin Adams, a pair of 6-7 forwards who were Academic All-State as seniors and helped Salmen High School to a state Top 28 semifinal appearance, are joining the Northwestern State basketball program.
 
They both made first-team all-district for coach Jay Carlin's Spartans and were recruited by the Air Force Academy. The twins have been accepted into the Louisiana Scholars' College at Northwestern after earning Academic All-State Composite Team and Academic All-State Class 4A honors as seniors.
 
The Adams twins each were in the top six of their graduating class while helping Salmen's basketball team to three consecutive district championships, state playoff quarterfinal berths in their sophomore and senior seasons, and the state semifinal appearance in their junior seasons.
 
Each averaged 10 points per game last season. Dustin snagged eight rebounds per contest and had a career-high 31-point outburst on Senior Night. Austin averaged seven rebounds and posted a career-best of 24 points.
 
“Austin and Dustin bring physical toughness, rebounding, and athleticism to our front court. They both run the floor extremely well and have a good feel for passing from the low post and high post positions and that should bode well in our offensive system,” said Demon basketball coach Mike McConathy.
 
“Although they just turned 18 last week, they have a lot of basketball experience versus high level competition from their extensive AAU and high school schedule.  Salmen High School is a perennial top contender in the state and coach Jay Carlin has done a terrific job developing their skills.”
 
Dustin received the U.S. Army Reserve National Scholar/Athlete Award for academic and athletic excellence. Austin earned the U.S. Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award. He was twice named the New Orleans Times-Picayune Prep Athlete of the Week.
 
“Austin and Dustin are eminent in their character, work ethic, and academic success which has enabled them to garner admission into our prestigious Scholars College where they can pursue their career goals in criminal justice and computer information systems. The twins will give us four players  on this year's squad to be enrolled in Scholars College and we feel very fortunate they will be part of our basketball family,” said McConathy.
 
The sons of Tony and Janice Adams of Slidell, the twins were born May 16, 1994.
 
They join a 2011-12 recruiting class with two guards, Castor product Dadrian White and Neosho County (Kan.) Community College sharpshooter Brison White.