Prep guard is first of Indians' early signees

Southeast Missouri State University's men's basketball program landed one Caruthersville High School standout Wednesday -- and hopes to nab another ex-Tigers star today.

Chris Springer, a 5-foot-10 senior guard at Caruthersville, signed a national letter of intent with the Indians on the first day of the early signing period.

Springer gained all-conference honors last season as he averaged 19 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. Springer was coached the last two years by current Southeast assistant Kevin Williams.

"We are extremely happy to sign Springer," Southeast coach Gary Garner said. "He is quick, fast and a great shooter with range. He is a great athlete with tremendous potential."

Caruthersville coach Brian Brandtner believes the Indians are getting a gem in Springer.

"SEMO is getting a good kid, first and foremost," Brandtner said. "And he's a tremendous player. He's got an excellent shot with a lot of range, he can really get up and he's as quick as anybody I've seen."

Garner, who is prohibited from commenting on recruits until they sign, hopes to land at least two more players during the early period that runs through next Wednesday.

Expected to sign today is Caruthersville product Norman Prather, an extremely athletic 6-4 guard who is in his second year at Mineral Area College in Park Hills, Mo.

Also expected to sign during the early period is 6-7, 230-pound forward Dainmon Gonner from Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College. Gonner originally signed with Southeast last spring but failed to meet eligibility requirements.

Otahkians land two

Southeast first-year women's coach B.J. Smith announced the signing of two players Wednesday: Sammi Jo Cotton, a 5-7 guard from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College; and Jessica Aebi, a 5-7 high school point guard from Enid, Okla.

Cotton played for Smith's 35-1 Northeastern Oklahoma team last season that finished second in the nation among junior colleges. She averaged 6.7 points per game on an extremely balanced squad and shot 46 percent from 3-point range.

"She has worked with our system and knows it so she'll be able to help out right away," Smith said. "She's a deadly threat from 3-point territory and will be exciting to watch."

Aebi averaged 15 points last season and led Enid High School to the state tournament for the first time ever.

"She's a very smart and aggressive point guard. She is extremely intense and is a leader on the floor," Smith said. "She has that competitive drive I require and should have no problem finding playing time with us next season."