Southeast Missourian Player of the week: Jackson's Dru Haertling

Jackson's Dru Haertling's scoring output has increased dramatically this season.

The senior averaged 9.8 points per contest last season, but has poured in 18.3 points per game this season.

"To be honest, I think it's just a real blessing from the Lord," Haertling said. "I'm just praying and he's just taking care of me."

Haertling's scoring prowess helped the Indians win the Kelso Supply Holiday Classic girls basketball tournament at the Show Me Center last week.

Haertling scored 62 points in her team's three games.

"She's a pretty good player," Jackson coach Tyler Abernathy said. "She works extremely hard on her game. She comes in and shoots every day."

Haertling scored 22 points against Saxony Lutheran in the opener then added 23 points in the semifinals against Farmington.

"I think my teammates just passed me the ball in really good position," Haertling said about the Farmington game. "They really were the ones who made the shot open for me."

Haertling's 17 points against Notre Dame helped the Indians rally to capture the title.

Haertling, who already signed to play at Southeast Missouri State next season, has helped the Indians start the season 8-1. They return to action against Cor Jesu on Jan. 6.