Wheeling's Wilson commits to Purdue

Add another Big Ten recruit from the Wheeling girls basketball team.

Two-time Daily Herald All-Area standout Ashley Wilson, a 6-foot junior forward-guard, has made a verbal commitment to play for Purdue University.

Teammate Lana Rukavina, a 6-3 senior forward, committed to the University of Illinois earlier this year.

Wilson, who recently led the Wildcats (17-2) to the championship of the Warren holiday tournament, surpassed 1,000 career points earlier this season and also has more than 600 rebounds.

"Ashley is very excited about going to Purdue, and we're excited for her," said Wildcats coach Shelly Wiegel, who has coached Wilson the last three seasons.

Wilson, who started the season recovering from a stress fracture in her leg, is averaging 14.5 points after 17 games. She is the Wildcats' top free-throw shooter, converting 51 of 74 this winter.

Last season as a sophomore, Wilson led the Mid-Suburban East Division in scoring (17.6 ppg) and was second in rebounding (9.6).