Southwest Minnesota State University Athletics

MARSHALL, MINN.: Southwest Minnesota State University men’s basketball head coach Greg Stemen announced on Thursday that 6-foot-1 guard Stoddard Barnhill from the Academy of Holy Angels High School in Richfield, Minn., has signed a letter of intent to continue his academic and basketball career at SMSU.

Barnhill, a native of Minneapolis, Minn., led Holy Angels to the 6AAA section finals this past season before losing to eventual state champion Benilde-St. Margaret's.  A two-year team captain, Barnhill averaged 16.9 points, six assists and three steals per game this season earning first team all-conference accolades and honorable mention all-state honors from Minnesota Basketball News.  He scored over 20 points in a game eight times this year including a season-high 30 in a victory over DeLaSalle in the section semifinals.  A two-time first team all-conference honoree, Barnhill scored over 1,000 points in his career.

“Stoddard is a true point guard in that he creates opportunities for his teammates, he can get to the rim, he pushes the ball well in transition, makes good decisions and is a strong leader,” Stemen said.  “His desire to be part of the Mustang program was very appealing to us and Stoddard will be an important contributor to Southwest’s success over the next five years.”

Barnhill is the third high school player to sign with SMSU for the upcoming 2008-09 season.  Lavione West, a 6-foot-6 guard from Davenport West (Iowa) High School signed during the early signing period in November while Jordan Miller, a 6-foot-5 guard from Mitchell (S.D.) High School signed earlier this month.

Southwest Minnesota State, located in Marshall, Minn., is a member of NCAA Division II and competes in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.  SMSU finished 17-12 overall last season, finished third in the 10-team NSIC and just missed qualifying for the NCAA tournament.