Southeast No. 1 on NMCC star's list, coach says

New Madrid County Central High School boys' basketball coach Joby Holland said Thursday that Eagles' star Dereke Tipler could very well be headed for Southeast Missouri State University.

"Dereke hasn't committed any place yet, but SEMO is definitely at the top of his list," Holland said. "Right now he wants to keep his options open and concentrate on the season, but he's impressed with SEMO."

Tipler, a 5-foot-10 senior point guard, has led NMCC to the past two Class 3A state championships, earning all-state honors both seasons. The Eagles play Borgia on Saturday in the 3A quarterfinals in Farmington, Mo.

Tipler declined to discuss his plans Thursday, citing his desire to keep the focus and on the team's season.

Holland said Mississippi has been among the major programs recruiting Tipler, although the coach said Tipler would like to stay close to home. Holland said Arkansas State has recently joined the recruiting chase.

According to Holland, Tipler is comfortable with Southeast's scholarship situation that would necessitate Tipler paying his own way for next year's first semester and then going on scholarship beginning with the second semester.

Southeast, coming off a 6-22 season, has three available scholarships and the Indians are committed to using those for junior-college players in an attempt to fill pressing needs for next year. Putting Tipler on scholarship for the second semester would count toward the following year's scholarship total.

"He understands their situation scholarship wise. I don't think that would be a factor," Holland said. "The main thing is that he's happy. He wants to play for somebody that will treat him fair and he knows he'll get that at SEMO."

Tipler, averaging 21 points per game this season, is also an all-state football running back but Holland said Tipler has decided not to pursue that sport in college.

"He's decided basketball is what he's going to play," Holland said. "He's a great player and a super young man. He's got so many intangibles kids his age don't have as far as his competitiveness and being a winner."

mmishow@semissourian.com

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