April 15, 2009

COLUMBIA, S.C. – University of South Carolina head women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley announced that Ashley Bruner (Norman, Okla./Norman) has signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University of South Carolina and play basketball for the Gamecocks. Bruner will have four years of eligibility beginning with the 2009-10 academic year.

“Ashley is a tremendous athlete who will bring versatility to our team from both a post and perimeter standpoint,” Staley said. “She has a high basketball IQ and a great work ethic, which will allow her to work her way into playing a major role for us next season.”

A six-foot forward, Bruner became Norman High’s career rebound record holder just five games into her senior season and finished her career ranked third in school history in scoring. She has led her team in scoring each of the past two seasons, including netting 15.3 points per game in 2008-09. A two-time Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State selection, Bruner led her team to a 21-6 record this season and a spot in the Oklahoma Class 6A semifinals.

“Ashley is a young lady that loves to play basketball,” Norman High head coach Matilda Mossman said. “In her four years, I can’t remember her being absent from a practice – never sick, never injured, just always there. Ashley is an excellent offensive rebounder. She has an instinct for where the ball is coming off the rim and just goes and gets it.”

South Carolina was 10-18 last season and loses three seniors from that team – Demetress Adams, Brionna Dickerson and C.J. Pace.