Key Highlights
- Troy High School senior Harper Whetstine signed to play for Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls.
- Whetstine averaged 25.7 points per game and was named Defensive Player of the Year as a junior.
- The signing marks Troy’s first Division I basketball signee, marking a significant milestone for the school.
Troy Trojans Basketball Team Sees Future Star Sign with Northern Iowa
Wednesday marked a historic day in the sports history of Troy High School as senior Harper Whetstine signed to play basketball for Northern Iowa, a Division I program based in Cedar Falls. This signing is not just a personal milestone for Whetstine; it heralds significant progress for her school and its basketball program.
A Storied Season at Troy
Whetstine’s senior season at Troy High School was nothing short of remarkable, earning her the distinction as one of the top high school players in Kansas. As a junior, she averaged an impressive 25.7 points per game and was awarded Defensive Player of the Year. Her all-around performance also saw her finish near the top in voting for 1A-I Player of the Year.
Breaking Records and Leading Troy to Success
The highlight of Whetstine’s junior season came when she scored a remarkable 43 points in one game, setting a new school record. This exceptional performance, combined with her leadership skills, helped lead the Trojans to their best finish in school history at third place in the 1A tournament. The team’s impressive record of 23 wins and only two losses further solidified Whetstine’s status as one of the top players in the state.
Coach Jasper Reflects on Whetstine’s Impact
Troy head basketball coach Derek Jasper expressed his excitement about losing Whetstine to Northern Iowa, noting that she was ready to contribute right away. “She’s a combo guard who can really handle the ball and shoot it,” Jasper stated. “One of the things that goes unnoticed is that she’s a great passer. She’s a really great all-around guard.”
“This is our first Division I basketball signee at this school, and what a great year she had last year. A magical year with all the school records she broke and really kind of came into her own and started getting recognized around the state,” added Jasper.
A New Chapter for Whetstine
Whetstine shared her excitement about starting a new chapter at Northern Iowa, emphasizing her desire to be a good teammate. “I’m so excited to go on to the next level. As soon as I got there (at Northern Iowa), I knew that was it. The community, the people, the atmosphere, it was just amazing and I knew it as soon as I got there,” said Whetstine.
As Troy High School’s basketball team prepares for their upcoming season, which starts on Monday, November 17th, fans can look forward to the contributions of next year’s seniors. With a strong foundation set by players like Harper Whetstine, the future looks bright for the Trojans.
