Nov. 15, 1999

Michael Southall, a 6-10, 225-pound senior at West Salem High School in West Salem, Wis., has signed a national letter-of-intent to attend the University of Kentucky, Coach Tubby Smith announced on Monday. Southall joins Oak Hill Academy’s Cliff Hawkins as the Wildcats’ two signees during the fall signing period which ends Wednesday.

Southall was the Coulee Conference and Region Player of the Year last season, averaging 20.7 points and 13.0 rebounds per game. He was named the team’s Most Valuable Player and earned third team All-State honors from the Lacrosse Tribune after leading his squad to a 14-8 record. He shot 65.0 percent from the field, 66.0 percent from the foul line and recorded 146 blocked shots (6.7 bpg) last season.

“Michael is a player that exemplifies the student-athlete we want in our program,” Coach Smith said. “He has set high goals and ambitions and has a great work ethic. With the loss of Jamaal Magloire to graduation next season, he’ll make an immediate impact. He’s a player that possesses excellent hands and agility and will obviously keep a shot-blocking presence on our front line.”

Southall also was named team MVP during his sophomore year, averaging 13.7 points and 12.0 rebounds a game while leading West Salem to the sectional final.

He chose UK over Utah, Georgia Tech, Michigan and Ohio State.