Basketball
continued from C1 said, “and these (three) young ladies dropped in my lap.
“I was definitely surprised. I was floored.”
McGruder, a 6-foot-1 leaper who’s best in transition, signed with New Mexico State. She leads the Rams in scoring (24.3) and rebounds (5.7).
A three-year starter at Wayne, she has been key in three blowouts and scored a career-high 32 points against West Carrollton.
“She is definitely a difference-maker,” said Benson, in his fifth season coaching the Rams. “She’s a remarkable athlete. To go along with that she’s a great leader and teammate.
“We haven’t had an athlete like that since I’ve been here.”
Another Rams transfer, 5-10 junior guard Sha’Mya Leigh of Miamisburg, averages 13.7 points. Another transfer to Trotwood, 5-11 junior Korryn Millerton (Stivers), is recovering from a leg injury and likely won’t return until the end of the regular season.
They are all welcome additions to a Division II program that won 19 games last season and returned four starters, including senior Mercedes Woodward (15.7 points, 9.0 rebounds).
Rams senior returnee Kellah Flucas leads the GWOC in assists (6.3).
Perdue has been an instant hit at Springfield. A 5-8 guard, she leads the GWOC in scoring (25.6) and scored what is believed to be a school-record 40 points in the opener against Yellow Springs.
Perdue was a middle school phenom at Springfield and previously played up in age groups on highlevel AAU teams.
“She’s playing lights out,” Springfield coach Darris Gattis said.
“There’s nothing like being a star in a city school and she’s a star in Springfield.”
Perdue had 26 points, including four 3-pointers, in a 55-33 loss to Beavercreek.
With Alter (0-5) in rebuild mode after winning three straight state titles, Trotwood and Tipp appear to have separated themselves among area D-II teams. Trotwood will host Tipp on Jan. 20.
Fairmont (3-3) snapped Wayne’s 22-game GWOC win streak over the last two seasons. Morgan-Elliott, a 6-0 junior, complements a formidable front line that also features 6-3 sophomore Madeline Westbeld (12.0 points, 12.3 rebounds) and 6-3 sophomore Madison Bartley (11.2, 8.0).
All that adds up to a shift in GWOC balance from Wayne (2-2) in the GWOC National East, which includes Fairmont, Beavercreek and Centerville.
“We thought we were going to have a good season without the transfers,” Benson said.
“There’s no doubt this is my best team and I attribute that to the transfers who have come in and we also have a great senior class who’s been in this program for four years. They understand our system and philosophy. It’s been a work in process.” Contact this reporter at 937-225-2381 or email Marc.Pendleton@coxinc.com Twitter: @MarcPendleton