May 10, 2002

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Cindy Stein, head coach of the University of Missouri women's basketball team, announced today the signing of Chinyere "Stretch" James and Myesha Perkins to National Letters of Intent.

James, a 6-foot-2 forward, played the past two seasons at Tyler (Texas) Junior College. She averaged 18.3 points and 10.9 rebounds per game on her way to earning Kodak Junior College All-American honors. James was named the 2002 Region XIV Conference's Most Valuable Player. Her scoring and rebounding averages led Region XIV.

A native of Columbus, Ohio, James played at Northland High School.

In 2000-2001, James was named the region's freshman of the year and was an all-region performer after averaging 13.5 points and 8.85 rebounds per game. She led Tyler in scoring in nine games and in rebounds 17 times.

Perkins, a 5-9 guard, played the past two seasons at Trinity Valley Community College. She was an honorable mention All-Region XIV performer, averaging 11.7 points per game. When Trinity Valley advanced to the NJCAA Tournament, Perkins averaged 21.2 points per game. She hails from Detroit, Mich., and attended Oak Park High.

"I am extremely excited about this signing class," said Stein. "We have improved our athleticism, skill level and competitiveness. 'Stretch' is ferocious on the boards and a very diligent performer inside. She wants the basketball on both ends of the floor. Myesha can score in so many ways whether it's on the perimeter, spotting up or off of a defensive steal. She's a very solid performer."

In the fall signing period, Missouri signed Cherice Mack (St. Charles, Mo.) and LaToya Bond (Urbana, Ill.)