FAIRBORN – Tri-Village Rylee Sagester and Wright State University have announced Rylee Sagester is officially going to be a Lady Raider next season.
Sagester recently led the Tri-Village girls’ basketball team to their first ever OHSAA DIV State Championship and was originally committed to play basketball at Marshall University in West Virginia next year.
However just before the state tournament began Thundering Herd coach Josh Kemper announced he would be leaving Marshall and headed to Central Arkansas to take over their program.
About a week after the state tournament was over Marshall announced a new head coach and a chance for the Rylee to learn about the new leader of the program. After much consideration it was clear the new coach style of play was different than what Rylee had committed to under coach Kemper therefor leading Sagester to re-open her recruiting.
It didn’t take long for interest to surface but more and more the thought of being close to home came into play and things began to align with Wright State from a style of play and coaching standpoint.
“When I found out Coach Kemper was leaving for Central Arkansas I opened up my recruiting because he was the coach I committed to in the beginning of my junior year,” Rylee Sagester said.
“With everything that has happened over the last year … staying closer to home became more important than it did a few years ago so my family, community and supporters could still take part in my journey and Wright State fits that bill perfectly. It checks off all the boxers, fit, style, staff, education and proximity,” Sagester added.
Wright State is coached by Kari Hoffman now going into her 3rd year. The former Kari Flunker was a great player herself playing at Cedarville University and was the 2005 NCCAA National Player of the Year. She is the #2 all-time leading scorer with 2,275 point and #1 in three-point field goals made in a career (338) at Cedarville. She also was on the staff as assistant when Tri-Village Kayla Linkous played at Cedarville from 2012-2016.
“I’m extremely excited about playing for Coach Hoffman and the staff at Wright State. They are building something special, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it,” Sagester said.
Last season the Raiders put up nearly 900 triples as a team and for a three-point shooter like Rylee that has to be a big motivator. Sagester has the most made three-pointers in the state of Ohio with 402 in her career.
“It certainly played a big role in my decision, the way their staff creates scoring opportunities for their players. Coach Hoffman was a big-time shooter, so she understands the nuances and the importance of shot makers on the team and in their offense,” Sagester exclaimed.
“I’m looking forward to being able to play close to home so get your tickets because Raider basketball is going to be fun to watch … and we are just a 45-minute trip down the road,” Sagester concluded.
