Hazleton's McKenzie Prutsman Recognized in Women's Basketball Hall of Fame Ring of Honor

Story courtesy of the Penn State Hazleton athletics department.

Knoxville, Tn. – Senior McKenzie Prutsman (Jasper, Ny.) shattered records throughout out her career at Penn State Hazleton and beginning in June, basketball fans from around the globe will be able to view Prutsman's jersey as is hangs in the Ring of Honor at the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame for the next year.

"The Ring of Honor is an exhibit at the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame where we honor the nation's top players at every level," said Josh Sullivan, Director of Basketball Operations and Technology for the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. "To have your jersey on display at the Hall of Fame is a huge privilege and we are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of these young athletes."

For her part, Prutsman averaged 28.3 points per game during the 2018-19 season to be named player of the year in the Penn State University Athletic Conference's Eastern Division and was recognized as a United States Collegiate Athletics Association All-American for a fourth consecutive year. Prutsman led the USCAA with 679 total points, eclipsing the single season scoring record at Hazleton and elevating the senior to become the all-time leading scorer at the campus with 1,888 career points. During her final year, Prutsman also set records for most steals in a season with 110 swipes and free throws made with 146, ultimately cementing her place as one of the all-time greats at Penn State Hazleton and a worthy edition to the Ring of Honor.

"We are thrilled to have McKenzie's jersey on display at the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame", said Director of Athletics Patrice Lombard. "This prestigious honor is a fitting conclusion to one of the greatest careers in conference history and we are extremely proud and thankful for the distinction granted to her by Knoxville."

The Ring of Honor is one of the many unique displays of the Hall of Fame. Not only does the Ring of Honor provide a colorful backdrop at the Hall of Fame's many exhibits, but it also recognizes some young basketball players for their achievements in their sport. By acknowledging the athletes, the Hall of Fame is able to fulfill its mission to "honor the past, celebrate the present and promote the future" of women's basketball.

Currently, the Ring of Honor consists of over 100 jerseys hanging from the rafters of the back rotunda at the Hall of Fame. The display includes jerseys of the top high school and college players from the previous season. The Ring of Honor has displayed jerseys from some of the best players in the world including Candace Parker, Britney Griner, Sue Bird, Candice Wiggins and Breanna Stewart. Prutsman also joins fellow PSUAC Eastern Division standout Ebony Sanders of Penn State Lehigh Valley in this year's Ring of Honor.

The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, opened in 1999, is located in Knoxville, Tenn. The Hall of Fame is the only facility of its kind, dedicated to all levels of women's basketball. For more information on the Ring of Honor or the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame visit www.wbhof.com or call (865) 663-9000.