Southeast Missouri State women's coach excited about landing local talent

Southeast Missouri State women's basketball coach Ty Margenthaler didn't have to venture far from home to find two of his first recruits during the NCAA's week-long early signing period that began Wednesday.

Half of the four players Margenthaler landed for his first recruiting class are Jackson High School seniors Connor King, a 6-foot-2 forward/center, and 5-8 combo guard Dru Haertling.

"When I got here, I said I was going to recruit the best local talent. I feel very fortunate and blessed to have two players like this so close by," Margenthaler said. "We worked extremely hard to build relationships with them, and I'm really happy they're going to play for us. It's great to bring local players into our program."

King and Haertling, both entering their fourth year of varsity play for the Indians, helped Jackson compile a 35-14 record over the past two seasons.

King averaged 11 points and 9.4 rebounds per game as a junior last year. Haertling averaged 9.8 points, 2.4 steals, 1.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists.

"Dru is a fierce competitor. She can really fill it up from outside and can handle the ball. She fills two [guard] spots in one," Margenthaler said. "Connor, I love her size and she's very skilled. She can shoot from outside and get on the block and score. I think she has a tremendous upside."

Southeast signed two more high school seniors, 5-10 combo guard Olivia Hackman from Jefferson City, Mo., and 5-11 guard Kara Wright from Louisville, Ky.

Hackman earned all-state honors as a junior at Helias High School last year, averaging 11.8 points, 3.4 assists and 1.3 blocks.

"Olivia has a great mid-range game and she can go to 3-point range," Margenthaler said. "She can really defend. I think her future is really bright."

Wright averaged 9.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.4 assists last season for a strong Manual High School team that features at least three other Division I recruits. Wright has helped Manual go 82-18 the past three years.

"Kara comes from a great high school program and played on one of the best AAU programs in the country," Margenthaler said. "She's very athletic. She can really defend and get to the basket. I feel like we got a steal with her."

Margenthaler said there is a chance Southeast will sign another player before the early period ends, but for now he's happy.

"I'm really excited for our first recruiting class. I feel we're bringing in some good talent. I give my staff a lot of credit," Margenthaler said. "We filled the needs we were looking for. We're adding length and athleticism at the guard position and we're adding offense with all the signees. All four kids can really put the ball in the basket."