Ishee signs guard/forward who averages 32.4 points

The Southeast Missouri State women's basketball program landed one of the state's top players Wednesday as the NCAA's weeklong early signing period got under way.

Brooke Taylor, a 6-foot-1 senior guard/forward at Bismarck (Mo.) High School, signed a national letter of intent with the Redhawks.

Taylor, already a two-time Class 2 all-stater, averaged 32.4 points and 13.6 rebounds per game last season.

"We are very excited to sign Brooke," Southeast coach John Ishee said. "I feel like she is one of the top 10 players in the state."

Taylor reportedly had a scholarship offer from perennial national power DePaul. Ishee lauded the efforts of assistant coaches Jayme Callahan and Elizabeth Cansdale in landing Taylor.

"They did a great job in the recruiting process," Ishee said.

Ishee said Taylor is a versatile player who can score in a variety of ways.

"She can score from the outside and she is really explosive around the basket," Ishee said. "She's just a really good athlete and a very good all-around player."

Bismarck, among the state's top Class 2 teams last year, was upset by Meadow Heights 74-70 in the sectional round. Taylor scored 40 points in that game.

Bismarck, which is located in St. Francois County, is about 95 miles from Cape Girardeau.

"Any time you can get somebody in basically your own backyard, it's exciting," Ishee said. "I think she's going to have an immediate impact next year."

Ishee said he likely will not sign any more players during the early period.

Men expect signing

The Southeast men's basketball program did not announce any signings Wednesday but anticipates a signing today.

Waylon Jones, a 6-9 sophomore power forward at Albany Tech (Ga.) Community College, is expected to officially commit to the Redhawks today.