By Ken Hansard
This is an exciting time in Hays. Hays High opened doors of a new high school in September, and Dawson Ruder, senior center for the Hays High Indians, can’t wait to break in the new facilities, “I’m looking forward to the Hays City shootout. Our first game of the year is against our cross-town rivals in a brand-new gym. It’s going to be packed to say the least!”
Additionally, Ruder and the Indians will be playing in one of the top midseason tournaments in Kansas, the prestigious Colby Orange and Black Tournament. “I’m really excited for that. Just a weekend of basketball and staying in a hotel with my buddies. I can’t really ask for more.”
For the Indians’ basketball fans, there is also reason for excitement. The Indians finished last season with a 13-9 record, going 6-2 in conference and placing second in the WAC. They return three starters from that team, including Ruder, who averaged 13.1 points per game on 50 percent shooting. He also contributed 6.4 rebounds per game, 1.8 assists, and shot a stellar 40 percent from three-point-range and 74% from the free throw line. Those numbers and more helped him earn a couple All-Tournament teams and Second Team All-State status.
As a senior stepping into a starting role for a fourth straight season, Dawson appreciates the role he serves for his team, “As a fourth-year starter, I have to establish leadership and initiate the offense. Our younger guys will be relying on me and my fellow seniors to score the ball for us because we are all experienced and have proven we can.” That should qualify as an understatement, as Ruder is hopeful of reaching the 1000-point mark for his career.
In the end, Ruder just wants to ride that wave of excitement and enjoy his final year of high school ball. “Our team goal is to make a state run. We have three returning players from last year, but the rest of the rotation is new to varsity. I think there will be growing pains throughout the season, but I strongly think our new guys are capable of stepping up. A state run in my senior year with my best friends would be special to me. It’s something I have dreamed of since I was 10.”
After high school, Ruder plans to continue his education collegiately and majoring in sports marketing.
