Ishee adds 5-9 guard

With only one senior on this past season's 13-player roster, Southeast Missouri State women's basketball coach John Ishee didn't have to look for many additions.

But Ishee believes he bolstered the Redhawks by signing two players to national letters of intent, including one during Wednesday's opening of the NCAA's spring signing period.

Karley Evans, a 5-foot-9 guard who earned first-team all-Region 16 honors this past season as a sophomore at Mineral Area College in Park Hills, Mo., signed Wednesday.

Evans led her team and conference in assists with nearly six per game and free-throw shooting at 85 percent, the latter figure ranking 11th nationally.

Evans averaged 11.2 points and 4.9 rebounds, ranking second on the squad in both categories.

"Karley is definitely a good get for us," Ishee said. "She's not the most athletic kid but she's athletic enough. She's a great shooter with a very good basketball IQ. She's just a solid all-around player."

Evans was a four-year starter at Rock Port High School, earning Class 1 all-state honors twice. She helped lead Rock Port to the 2006 Class 1 state title as a sophomore.

Evans joins 6-1 forward Brooke Taylor from Bismarck (Mo.) High School, who Southeast landed during the early signing period in November.

Taylor was a four-time Class 2 all-stater at Bismarck, where she averaged 23.8 points and 9.9 rebounds as a senior while shooting 48 percent from the field and 82 percent from the line.

Taylor, ranked first in her class academically, averaged 32.4 points and 13.6 rebounds as a junior.

"Brooke was a prolific scorer in high school who is a very good all-around player," Ishee said. "We're excited about her and Karley. We feel like they can come in and help us right away."

Southeast struggled offensively during the 2009-10 campaign. Ishee believes Evans and Taylor will aid in that area.

"I think they'll definitely help us offensively," he said.

Ishee said it's unlikely Southeast will sign any more players for next season.