Nov. 18, 2002

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Norman Prather, 6-4, of Mineral Area Community College, has signed a national letter of intent and plans to enroll at Southeast Missouri State University in the fall of 2003.

Prather was an all-state player at Caruthersville High School in 2001 when he averaged 21 points, eight rebounds and five assists per game while leading Caruthersville to a record of 22-7 and a berth in the state quarterfinals. Last season at Mineral Area, Prather averaged 12 points and seven rebounds per game.

"We are thrilled to be able to sign Prather during the early signing period," said Southeast coach Gary Garner. "He is a great athlete who can play the two or three position. He has the ability to be an impact player in the Ohio Valley Conference."

Current Southeast assistant Kevin Williams coached Prather during his senior season at Caruthersville.

Prather is the third player to sign during the early signing period. The other signees include 6-6 junior college forward Dainmon Gonner who played last season at Hutchinson Community College and 5-10 guard Chris Springer of Caruthersville High School.