Baseball inks six, softball signs two

The start of the early signing period for NCAA schools Wednesday garnered eight athletes for Southeast Missouri State, with more expected before the period ends Nov. 17.

High school seniors and junior college athletes are eligible to sign binding letters of intent with college programs in most sports during this period, with football being the notable exception.

The Southeast men's basketball program has not yet received a letter of intent from Webster Groves High School senior Eric Jones, who recently verbally committed to Southeast, but he is expected to make it official in the next few days.

Jones, a 6-foot-5, 200-pound forward, averaged 12 points and four rebounds per game last year for Webster Groves, which was 24-5. He shot 55 percent from the field, including 50 percent from 3-point range, while also blocking 21 shots. He was a St. Louis Post-Dispatch honorable mention All-Metro selection and was the Suburban South Conference player of the year.

"Eric is really excited about SEMO, and I think they got a steal," Webster Groves coach Jay Blossom told the Southeast Missourian recently.

Southeast's women's basketball program also did not have any signings to announce Wednesday, but that should change today. Dexter High School senior Rachel Blunt is scheduled to sign a letter of intent during a 2 p.m. ceremony at the school, said Dexter coach Gavin Miller.

Blunt, who verbally committed to Southeast last year, is a 6-foot forward who earned Class 4 all-state honors as a junior by averaging 19 points, 12 rebounds and five assists per game.

"I think SEMO will be getting a very good player and very hard worker," Miller said. "I think it's a good choice for her."

Baseball signings

Southeast baseball coach Mark Hogan announced the signing of six high school seniors Wednesday, and he said he expects more in the next few days.

The signees are right-handed pitcher Grant AuBrook from Birmingham, Ala.; right-handed pitcher Dale Dickerson from Calhoun, La.; left-handed pitcher Andrew Beatty from Aurora, Ill.; infielder Walt Love from Batesville, Miss.; infielder Dean Anna from Mokena, Ill.; and outfielder Aaron Rave from Lubbock, Texas.

"I feel like we signed a great group of freshmen for next season," Hogan said. "It could potentially be one of the best freshmen classes we have signed."

Softball signings

Southeast softball coach Lana Richmond announced the signing of two high school seniors Wednesday

Jessica Rosencrants, a pitcher from Sequim, Wash., helped lead her team to a state title in 2004. She has a prep career record of 61-9, with 567 strikeouts and 16 walks.

Amber Peterson, a catcher from Camarillo, Calif., is a three-time all-league selection.

"Rosencrants and Peterson will be a freshman battery that has the potential to immediately propel our program to the top," Richmond said.