Mules basketball inks two in early signing period

                The University of Central Missouri Mules basketball squad and head coach Kim Anderson announced the inking of Tyler Oakley and Brad Harper in the early signing period.  The two student-athletes will complete their senior high school seasons and enroll at UCM for the 2007-08 season.
            “We are thrilled to be able to add two all-state high school players to our program for next year.  Both Tyler and Brad are proven winners and are currently playing for outstanding coaches and very successful programs.” Anderson said. “In addition, both are good students.  Tyler brings us some much needed size and scoring ability while Brad is a hard nosed player who can play inside and outside.”

Following is a list of the early signees:

Brad Harper –Forward
6-5 * 220 * Freshman-to-be
Warrensburg, Mo. * Warrensburg High School
Plays for head coach Chris Nimmo at Warrensburg High School… earned all-conference honors in both his sophomore and junior seasons… As a junior, he earned all-tournament team honors three different times… also averaged 15 points and eight rebounds per game to grab all-state in both the coaches and media… was named the KMZU class 4/5 Player of the Year and to the Kansas City area all-district team last year.

Tyler Oakley – Forward/Center
6-8 * 210 * Freshman-to-be
Ozark, Mo. * Ozark High School
A product of Ozark High School, Oakley plays for head coach Steve Hunter… He garnered first-team all-conference honors in both his sophomore and junior seasons… An all-state pick, he helped his team to a fourth place finish in Missouri and averaged 16.5 points and 10.1 boards per game… also earned first-team all-district and all-tournament team honors two different times… led the team with 49 blocks and hit an outstanding 59 percent from the field as a junior.