MISSOULA — The 2024 Big Sky Conference champion Eastern Washington women's basketball team will soon have a Missoula connection.
Emily McElmurry confirmed on social media Wednesday she has committed to play for the Eagles starting in the fall. The 5-foot-9 all-state guard was a catalyst in her final two State AA tournament games last month, totaling 52 points on 48.4 percent field goal shooting with eight steals, seven assists and six rebounds.
McElmurry, a 4.0 student, averaged 16.8 points and 4.3 rebounds per game in the 2023-24 season. She has impressive bloodlines, with her father (Blaine) playing football for the Montana Grizzlies and in the NFL, her mother (Kristy) running track at Montana, her sisters running track at Nebraska and Sacramento State and her aunt (Catie Walker) playing for the Lady Griz.
Emily McElmurry has also been a standout for the Sentinel track and field team.
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“Emily has what it takes to excel at the next level," Sentinel assistant basketball coach/former head coach Karen Deden expressed on social media. "She brings speed, the ability to score and defend along with hard working and very coachable.
"She is a fierce competitor with a never-give-up attitude. After games she watches film and works on both the mental and physical part of her game. It has been a pleasure to be one of her coaches."
Eastern Washington is coming off a historically good 2023-24 season. The team won the Big Sky regular season and tournament titles before losing to Oregon State in the Big Dance. It marked the first time since 1987 the Eagles reached the NCAA tournament.
McElmurry was offered a scholarship by Eastern coach Joddie Gleason earlier this month. Last summer she received offers from Carroll, Montana State Billings and Central Washington.
Bill Speltz is Missoulian sports editor. Contact him at bill.speltz@406mtsports.com or on Twitter @billspeltz