Southeast Missouri State's Haertling to transfer to Truman State

Dru Haertling displayed promise in limited action as a freshman for the 2012-13 Southeast Missouri State women's basketball team.

But the Jackson High School graduate recently decided to leave the Redhawks and transfer to Division II Truman State, where she will be eligible beginning with the 2013-14 season.

"Dru felt like maybe going somewhere else would be a little better for her. She thought she could do a little bit more. ... I know playing time is very important," Southeast coach Ty Margenthaler said. "The nice thing, going to Division II, she won't have to sit out a year. I wish her well. She's a great kid."

The 5-foot-8 Haertling, who played both guard positions for Southeast last season, saw action in all 29 games off the bench. She averaged 2.1 points while averaging 8.6 minutes. Twelve of her 23 field goals were 3 pointers as she shot 29.3 percent from beyond the arc (12 of 41).

"I thought she had a very good year for a freshman. I didn't want her to leave but I want her to be happy," Margenthaler said. "She did a great job in the classroom and on the court. I think she'll do a good job for Truman. It's a good program."

Truman State, located in Kirksville, Mo., went 20-8 overall and 12-6 in its final year of play in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association last season. The Bulldogs will compete in the Great Lakes Valley Conference beginning next season.

"We are excited to have Dru join the Bulldog family. We built a relationship with her out of high school and were lucky to get her when she decided to transfer," Truman coach Michael Smith said in a release. "She will have three years of eligibility left and brings instant experience and a great basketball IQ to our program."

Taylor finished

Margenthaler said that Brooke Taylor has decided to end her college basketball career although she will remain on scholarship at Southeast as she continues her education.

Taylor, a forward who was Southeast's top recruit for the 2010-11 season -- the year before Margenthaler arrived -- never took the court for the Redhawks. She missed the 2010-11 campaign with a blood disorder and the past two years with knee injuries.

"She's probably going to have to have another surgery on her knee. We'd love to have her play but she knows physically she just can't do it any more," Margenthaler said. "She'll continue to be on scholarship until she graduates next year. She's a great kid and I'm glad we could take care of her scholarship-wise. The university did a great job with that."