Indians add final recruit in Guerrier

Southeast Missouri State University men's basketball coach Gary Garner finalized the Indians' recruiting class Monday as junior college forward/center Ketshner Guerrier signed a national letter of intent.

As a sophomore at Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville, Fla., last season, the 6-foot-6, 215-pound Guerrier averaged nine points and six rebounds per game while shooting 57 percent from the field. In his final season at North Miami High School, he averaged 15 points and eight rebounds per game.

"Guerrier gives us additional depth at the 4 and 5 positions," Garner said. "He is adept at scoring around the basket and he is a good athlete who can rebound and defend. I think he can help us."

Guerrier is one of six new players who will join the Indians next season, including five junior college transfers.

Previously signing with Southeast were 6-2 guard Ryan "Fuzzy" Belcher from Florissant Valley Community College in St. Louis; 6-8 center Waylon Francis from SMS-West Plains Community College; 6-8 forward Cody Lewis from Lake Land (Ill.) Community College; 6-7 forward James White from Southwestern Illinois Community College; and 6-foot guard Paul Paradoski from Vianney High School in St. Louis.

"Overall I am pleased with this year's recruiting," Garner said. "I think we have players who really complement the players we have returning."

Southeast will be at the NCAA's maximum scholarship level of 13 players for the first time in quite a while next season, which Garner said should give the Indians more options to chose from.

"Hopefully that will help us," Garner said.