Lyles earns invitation to camp for women's professional league

~ The Southeast senior will attend the WNBA pre-draft workoutin Cleveland.

The sensational senior season that Southeast Missouri State center Lachelle Lyles turned in did not go unnoticed by professional scouts.

Southeast coach John Ishee said Wednesday that Lyles has been invited to the WNBA's annual pre-draft camp.

The event is scheduled for March 30 and 31 at Cleveland State University.

Lyles will be among approximately 50 top prospects from American colleges and overseas who will work out in front of WNBA coaches and general managers.

"It's an unbelievable honor and opportunity for Lachelle," Ishee said. "I'm so excited for her. She really deserves it."

The 6-foot-2 Lyles is the nation's leading rebounder, after averaging 17 per game this season. She averaged 8.4 points per contest.

Lyles helped lead Southeast to a 24-8 record and a berth in the NCAA tournament, where the Redhawks lost their first-round game Saturday to ninth-ranked Oklahoma 74-60.

Lyles helped hold Oklahoma All-American sophomore center Courtney Paris to 13 points and 11 rebounds in one of the worst statistical performances during a career that has featured an NCAA record 60 consecutive double-doubles.

"I would say the performance Lachelle had against a great player like Courtney Paris sure didn't hurt her," Ishee said.

While Lyles still might be a longshot to be selected when the WNBA draft is held April 4 in Cleveland -- only 39 players will be taken in the three-round draft -- Ishee said the exposure she will receive at the pre-draft camp should at worst help afford her a solid opportunity to play professionally overseas.

"A lot of it depends on what teams look for, as far as if they want somebody who defends, rebounds, sets screens," Ishee said. "I think in the right situation, she could really help somebody.

"But even if she doesn't make the WNBA, she should have a good chance to play professionally some place. It's just a great opportunity for her."