Jackson guard Haertling verbally commits to Southeast Missouri State women's basketball team

Dru Haertling's impressive summer led to her being recruited by several Division I women's basketball programs, including Southeast Missouri State.

She said it soon became clear she wanted to play for the Redhawks after first-year Southeast coach Ty Margenthaler offered her a scholarship.

Haertling, a Jackson High School senior, gave Southeast a verbal commitment Wednesday night. The 5-foot-8 combo guard said she plans to make it official in November during the NCAA's early signing period.

"I am so excited," Haertling said.

Haertling said getting to play so close to home is nice, but her main reason for picking Southeast is the type of program Margenthaler is trying to build.

"Coach Margenthaler is a great guy," Haertling said. "He's a huge family man. I really like the atmosphere he's building because I'm so close to my family as well.

"After I went on all my visits, it made me feel like SEMO was the best fit."

Haertling will be entering her fourth year of varsity play for the Indians. She had a solid junior season, averaging 9.8 points, 2.4 steals, 1.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. But it was her performance with the Southeast Dynasty this summer that really opened eyes.

Dynasty coach Charles Williams, whose team includes many of the region's top players, said Haertling played well against some of the nation's elite AAU programs.

"We played a lot of the big AAU teams and she did very well. She can really play," Williams said.

Other Division I programs heavily recruiting Haertling were Florida Gulf Coast, Longwood and SIU-Edwardsville.

Margenthaler is prohibited by NCAA regulations from commenting until Haertling signs a letter of intent.

A second Jackson High School senior also could choose Southeast. Williams said 6-1 forward/center Connor King, who plays for the Dynasty, is being recruited by the Redhawks, among other Division I programs.