Eds: APNewsNow; Will be led.

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) Michigan State coach Tom Izzo says his latest recruiting class fits a program with five Final Four appearances in 11 seasons.

The Spartans on Wednesday signed guard Keith Appling from Detroit Pershing, center Adreian Payne from Dayton Jefferson in Ohio, swingman Russell Byrd from Blackhawk Christian in Fort Wayne, Ind. and forward Alex Gauna from Eaton Rapids.

The 6-foot-2 Appling was the 2009 Associated Press Class A Player of the Year in Michigan. The guard averaged 23.9 points, six assists and five rebounds and led his team to a state title with 49 points.

The 6-foot-10 Payne averaged 15 points, 12 rebounds and four blocked shots. The 6-foot-7 Byrd averaged 19.1 points and 8.3 rebounds, and the 6-foot-9 Gauna averaged 16.5 points and 10.5 rebounds.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-11-09 1321CST | save this article / add to your favorites list