LUCASVILLE — As basketball season reaches its midway point, Valley senior Megan Duduit finally revealed her college destination Friday.
Duduit chose the University of Rio Grande over Ohio Christian University.
“It felt like a family atmosphere,” Duduit said. “The more I went there, the more I felt like that’s the place I should be. They’ve been interested since I was in seventh grade. We’ve played in their tournaments over the years. It just felt like that’s where I needed to play.”
Indians head coach Mark Merritt knows Rio Grande is getting a person and player that will boost the program next fall.
“Rio Grande is first of all getting a quality kid,” Merritt said. “Megan is a leader, she leads by example. She works hard in the games. She really contributes in practice. They’re getting a quality kid and a quality student. We’re excited for her and we’re happy for her.”
Duduit is thrilled the process has finally reached its conclusion.
“I’m beyond excited. It’s awesome. It’s over with, it’s done. What I’ve been waiting for has finally happened and I’m just blessed and happy that this has happened,” Duduit said.
Duduit compared Rio’s campus to what she’s accustomed too in Lucasville.
“It’s small. I can’t really get lost,” Duduit said jokingly. “It’s close to home, so if I get home sick, I can just go home.”
Duduit also said she enjoyed giving her family the opportunity to attend her home games and admitted she has her own cheering section.
“I like being close to family, close to home,” Duduit said. “They can come to all the home games. They all like to come. I’ve got a big family and they all like to come.”
Duduit projects as a shooting guard at the next level but admitted that defense is her forte. While she has the ability to knock down shots, Duduit excels on the defensive end, often impressing coaches with her hustle.
“I feel like defense is my biggest strength,” Duduit said. “I like to play defense more than offense. I like to pass rather than shoot. I like to get other people involved.”
Merritt said Duduit draws the toughest defensive assignment every game.
“She draws the top scorer from the other team. She gets the most workload on defense and she usually rises to the challenge,” Merritt said. “She’s a really good defensive player. We are going to miss her.”
As Duduit joins teammate Kamryn Conaway who also recently committed to the Red Storm, Valley has become a hotbed of recruiting.
“I think it’s a reflection on all of our past players, getting recognition from college coaches,” Merritt said. “Obviously they’ve got Cam (Conaway) now and Megan, so I think we’ve got a good basketball program here and it’s a reflection on the past kids. They’re both deserving and we wish them nothing but the best of luck.”
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