Indians debut with five scholarship players

Southeast Missouri State University's already depleted men's basketball team was even more shorthanded Friday night than had originally been anticipated.

Prior to the season opener against visiting Birmingham Southern College, it was announced that Southeast coach Gary Garner had suspended sophomore forward Damarcus Hence for the first three games of the campaign because of a violation of team rules.

Garner would not elaborate on the violation.

"It's one of those things that we keep in our basketball family. We always do," said Garner following the Indians' 62-51 loss.

Asked if the decision to suspend Hence -- who would have been in the starting lineup Friday -- was difficult, Garner said, "It wasn't. A rule is a rule and it applies to everybody."

The absence of Hence meant the Indians went with only five scholarship players out of 11 that are on the roster.

Three of the scholarship players -- Kenny Johnson, Justin Smith and Monte Gordon -- are ineligible for the first semester, which covers six games. Derek Winans did not play Friday as he sat out a one-game suspension for a minor NCAA infraction while Drew DeMond is sidelined with a hand injury.

Walk-on shines

Of the four walk-ons in uniform Friday, freshman point guard Kevin Roberts was the only one who saw significant action -- and he came through with flying colors.

A product of the tradition-rich DeSmet High School program in St. Louis, Roberts played a whopping 34 minutes. He scored seven points -- hitting three of three field goals and his only free throw -- to go along with two rebounds and a steal while committing just two turnovers.

"It was exciting," said Roberts, who had been doubtful with a sprained ankle suffered in Wednesday's practice. "I knew with all the adversity we've faced, I had to step up and play my role."

The other three walk-ons who were all recently added -- Bobby Brune, David Shaw and Jason St. Gemme -- played in the final minute.

Indians sign player

Cole Grapperhaus, a 6-foot-8 senior from Mater Dei High School in Breese, Ill., has signed a national letter of intent with the Indians.

Grapperhaus, named by one publication as among the nation's top 300 prep seniors, averaged 15 points and six rebounds per game last season on a Mater Dei team that went 23-10 and advanced to sectionals. He had 59 blocked shots and 37 assists.

"We are extremely happy to have Grapperhaus sign with us," said Garner. "He is a big, strong kid with good skills."