Cub opts for Redhawks

~ The 6-foot-10 Bell City senior had previously committed to the University of Memphis.

Southeast Missouri State men's basketball coach Scott Edgar has won the recruiting battle for one of the area's top prospects, as 6-foot-10 Bell City senior Will Bogan verbally committed to the Redhawks on Thursday.

"There were a lot of bigger schools in the hunt, but Will really wanted to be part of something special at SEMO, and he really loved the coaching staff," Bell City coach Brian Brandtner said.

This will be the second oral commitment from Bogan, who had previously committed to Memphis. When Bogan did not sign with Memphis during the early signing period, speculation began on where the all-state center may end up. Southeast Missouri State has been among the schools recruiting Bogan, who will not be able to officially sign until the late signing period for basketball begins April 11.

Southeast coaches are prohibited by NCAA rules from commenting on individual recruits until they are officially signed.

Bogan was the Southeast Missourian Player of the Year last year after leading the Class 1 runner-up Cubs in scoring and rebounding. Playing in his first year of organized basketball -- Bogan transferred to Bell City from Charleston during the middle of his sophomore year and had not played a minute of high school basketball -- Bogan averaged 19 points and nearly 11 rebounds a game. In the state final four, Bogan finished with a combined 40 points and 31 rebounds.

The Cubs started slow this season going 4-4 through eight games, but Bell City has won 10 straight heading into tonight's game. Bogan has been key once again this year, scoring 42 points in Bell City's stunning championship win over Jackson in the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament.

Southeast has won five of its past seven games under first-year coach Edgar, and sits at 6-6 in Ohio Valley Conference play.