ROGERS — Lacey Murray, Brittany Ward and Ashley Ward didn’t plan to remain teammates in college, but they are sure pleased with the way it worked out.
The Rogers Heritage trio signed national letters of intent to play basketball at Mineral Area College at a ceremony Wednesday afternoon.
All three were important parts of the Lady War Eagles’ best finish in school history and first-ever state tournament appearance this season. But Heritage coach Kevin Ramey said their contributions can’t be overstated.
All three dominate the Lady War Eagles’ career record charts. Brittany Ward leaves as the program’s leading scorer with 758 points, despite missing portions of two seasons because of knee injuries. Ashley Ward ranks second, followed by Murray.
Brittany Ward finished as the career leader in assists (262) and steals (152).
Ashley Ward finished as the school’s leading rebounder (235) and leader in career field goal percentage (53.1). Murray is tops in free-throw percentage (78), 3-point percentage (37) and 3-pointers made (135).
“They all helped to create our program,” Ramey said. “They’ve been the backbone of it for three years. Their commitment has been tremendous and they will be missed.”
The three visited the two-year school located in Park Hills, Mo., a little more than an hour south of St. Louis, in November and decided it was for them.
Murray also made at least a couple of visits to two-year schools in Kansas, but chose Mineral Area.
“We’ll already have that chemistry together,” Murray said.