Mineral Area's Laros signs with Southeast Missouri State men's basketball

Southeast Missouri State men’s basketball announced a new signing Friday, with Mark Laros set to join the program.

Laros, a 6-foot-10 center, is a native of Hengelo, Netherlands, and is coming off a pair of seasons at Mineral Area College.

He is the seventh MAC player to sign with a Division 1 school this year.

Laro averaged 5.4 points per game and 4.1 rebounds per game and was third on the team in 27 blocks in 29 games. He shot 51.9 percent from the field.

“We are pleased to welcome Mark to our program,” Southeast coach Rick Ray said in a news release. “Mark is a true big man, but also has the ability to shoot and pass from the perimeter.

“ … Mark is a fantastic student and person who will be a asset to our team both on and off the court. Mark has a great work ethic and we can’t wait to start working with him this summer.”

As a freshman at Mineral Area, Laros posted the team’s best field-goal percentage (68.8 percent).

The Cardinals went 53-9 during Laros’ two seasons and were ranked No. 18 last year.

“What Southeast Missouri is getting in Mark Laros is a 6-foot-10 skilled post player with an incredibly high ceiling,” Mineral Area coach Luke Strege said in a news release. “Redhawk fans will really like what Mark brings on the court and will also love the high character individual they are adding to their community off the floor.”

Laros is the second player this week to sign with the Redhawks, joining Greenville, Ohio, forward Isaiah Gable. Guard Khalil Cuffee (Fairburn, Georgia) is also a part of next year’s class.

— Staff report