By Peter Holland Jr.
McPherson Sentinel
McPHERSON — Emma Ruddle only has one more year left with the McPherson High School girls’ basketball team, but she could not wait another minute to let the world know via Twitter that she verbally committed to play college basketball at Fort Hays State on Monday night.
“I’m excited to announce that I have decided to continue my basketball career and education at Fort Hays State University,” Ruddle said via Twitter. “Thank you so much to everyone who helped/supported me along the way.”
Ruddle has been a two-year starter for the Lady Pups, leading them to the 2018 Class 5A state tourney and a fourth-place finish. Ruddle is known to be a top-end shooter and a hard-nosed defender.
Last season, she averaged 8.3 points per game, 3.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists. She, along with Grace Pyle, Lakyn Schieferecke, Cassie Cooks and Andrea Sweat, is expected to be a top returner for next season. Not to mention, Ruddle is one of the state’s top sprinters in track and field, continuing to be unbeatable in the 100-meters. Last year, she won state in the 100 and 100 hurdles, and also being the 14th all-time best in Kansas history after clocking in at 14.36 seconds.
Fort Hays State, a member of the MIAA conference, went 32-2 last season and was the conference champion in the regular season and postseason. The Tigers made it to the NCAA regional finals for the second time in the last five seasons.