Central's Delph signs with Mineral Area College

Central senior Ryan Delph wowed area basketball crowds with his explosive style of play and high-flying dunks.

Those who want to see Delph next season will not have to travel far. The 6-foot guard signed a letter of intent to play for Mineral Area College in Park Hills, Mo., on Wednesday.

"It's a stepping stone, that's the way I look at it," Delph said. "I visited a few colleges, and I visited there and I fit in there. It seems like a nice college; I fit into that environment."

Delph also looked at Southwest Missouri State-West Plains, the University of Tennessee-Martin, John A. Logan College and Southeast Missouri State University.

Central coach Derek McCord said going to a junior college is a wise choice for Delph.

"I think junior college is going to be a great move for Ryan," he said. "I think after excelling for two years, the sky is the limit."

Delph was a second-team all-state player in Class 5 this season, averaging 16.7 points a game. Delph also averaged 5.6 rebounds per game, shot 51.2 percent from the field and finished with 16 dunks.

"He's going to be a big part of our team next year," MAC coach Corey Tate said.

After playing much of the past two seasons at shooting guard, Delph will move to the point guard position at MAC. Delph handled the point at times for the Tigers and averaged 2.2 assists this season.

"He's going to run the team," Tate said. "And if he gets hot we'll move him over to the 2 as well."

Added Delph: "It doesn't matter wherever he puts me, as long as I'm on the court."

MAC finished 19-14 last season. The Cardinals play an up-tempo style which stresses running the floor and pressing.

Delph said that style fits him fine.

"I hate walking up and down the court," he said.

Ellis signs to play soccer with UMSL

Notre Dame senior Sierra Ellis signed last week to play soccer at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Ellis, a two-sport star in basketball and soccer, has scored 65 goals for the Bulldogs in her career. She has earned all-state honors twice. Ellis was the region's player of the year last season when Notre Dame made the Class 1 state title game.

Notre Dame's Little signs with Quincy

Notre Dame senior Brittney Little has signed with Quincy University to play soccer.

Little is an all-conference defender for the Bulldogs, who finished second in Class 1 in 2003.

Jackson's Biri signs with Southwest Baptist

Jackson senior Kathleen Biri signed a letter of intent Wednesday to play soccer at Southwest Baptist University, located in Bolivar, Mo.