April 19, 2004

Cape Girardeau, Mo. - Ryan "Fuzzy" Belcher of St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley has signed a national letter of intent to attend Southeast Missouri State University in the fall.

Belcher, 6-2, led Florissant Valley to a record of 20-11 as a freshman and 23-8 and a ranking of 12th in the nation last season as a sophomore. He was all-NJCAA Region 16, all-conference and an NJCAA All-America nominee.

Last season, Belcher averaged 13 points, seven rebounds, six steals and four assists per game while shooting 47% from the field. He had a single season school record for steals with 166 and a career record in steals with 310.

"Belcher is a quick guard who can penetrate and he plays great defense," said Southeast coach Gary Garner. "He was recruited by California State-Santa Barbara, Pacific, SMS, Troy State and Arkansas State. We're looking forward to adding his quickness and defensive ability."

Belcher is originally from Mexico, Mo., where he won all-conference and all-state honors. He is the brother of former Southern Illinois-Carbondale point guard Marcus Belcher and the cousin of former Nebraska point guard Cookie Belcher.

Garner and his staff hope to sign at least two more players. Southeast signed 6-0 guard Paul Paradoski from Vianney High School in St. Louis and James White, 6-7, of Southwestern Illinois Community College during the early signing period.