By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Former Central Plains standout Emily Ryan is making another trip home. Sort of. On Wednesday, Feb. 1, the No. 15 Iowa State women's basketball team will play at Kansas State University in a marquee Big 12 showdown. Bushton Pride is sponsoring at least one bus full of fans to go watch and support the Naismith finalist Ryan, now in her third season as starting point guard at Iowa State.
"One bus is full, and we're hoping to fill a second one," said Bushton Pride Committee Member Jane Habiger. "The day we have to commit to that second bus is Monday, Jan. 2. That's why we're trying to get as many people to respond before Monday, so we know if you'll have enough to warrant taking the second bus. If not, we would refund the money to the people that might have called and wanted to be on that second bus."
The bus or buses will load at Bushton Plaza at 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 1, with a departure set for 3:45 p.m. Tipoff is 6:30 p.m. that evening in Manhattan. A $45 fee covers the bus fare and admission to the game.
Iowa State (8-2) is currently ranked No. 15 in the latest NCAA poll. Earlier this season, the Lady Cyclones climbed into the top five for the first time in 21 years. Kansas State sits at 11-2 overall, with a big win against the No. 12 Iowa team that defeated Iowa State earlier this season.
Ryan and teammate Ashley Joens were among the 50 players named to the Naismith Trophy Watch List as two of the top players in the nation. Ryan ranks third on the Kansas high school all-time scoring list, and she set an Iowa State record last year with 17 assists in one game and 249 assists on the season.
Those interested in purchasing tickets for the Kansas State game can contact Amy Hurley at (620) 727-7943 before Monday, Jan. 2.