The Drury University Lady Panthers have added another former area basketball standout in Marshfield High School's Sara Jane Plemmons for the 2008-09 school year.
The 5-foot-11 Plemmons averaged 12.9 points per game and was a First Team All-Central Ozark Conference performer and Second Team All-Ozarks for the Lady Jays, who finished 25-1 and captured the COC title. Plemmons was a four-year starter for Coach Gary Murphy's tradition-rich squad.
Among her top efforts this season was a 16- point, 12-rebound night against the tall front line of Nixa in a key mid-February victory.
"We really like Sara Jane's toughness and the competitive fire she'll bring into the program," Drury coach Steve Harold said. "She's not afraid to battle bigger opponents inside, and we know her attitude and work ethic will help push our new and returning players. Coming from Coach (Gary) Murphy's tremendous program at Marshfield, she expects to win and knows what it takes to do so."
Plemmons joins Mount Vernon guard Liz Moriondo, Waynesville guard Katie Pritchard, Arcadia Valley (Ironton) guard Kassie Walker, Jefferson City Helias center Erica Groose and Evansville transfer center Jillian Palan as new Lady Panthers next season.
Drury finished 28-4 this past season, making the NCAA-II Tournament for a sixth straight year and claiming its first Great Lakes Valley Conference championship. The Lady Panthers will return four starters from that group next season.