Carlson Commits To Cowboys

ABILENE, Texas — Ryan Carlson, a 6-5 forward from Abilene Wylie High School, has committed to attend school and play basketball at Hardin-Simmons University, making him the third local player to commit to the Cowboys so far this spring.

“I really want to go into physical therapy and Hardin-Simmons has the best PT program in the nation, that was the main factor in choosing HSU,” said Carlson. “Also, getting to play for a coach like Coach Carse and all of his experience that is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

“I also get to continue my career with someone I have become pretty good friends with in Zach Rule. He came to Wylie at the end of his sophomore year and I came before our sophomore year from Minnesota, so we kind of came in together and it is a good opportunity to continue to play together.”

Carlson averaged 11.7 points and 7.3 rebounds per game for coach Russell Perkins’ Bulldogs. Carlson shot 54 percent from the field. He was a first-team all-district 2-3A selection and was a Texas Association of Basketball Coaches all-region selection.

Wylie went undefeated to win district 2-3A and they finished the year with a 26-6 record.

“Ryan is another hard-nosed kid that will give an all-out effort,” said HSU head coach Craig Carse. “He gives us another presence on the inside. He is 6-5 and can run and shoot and we see him as a good rebounder. His commitment adds to our class that we have started to build.”

“We are working hard to get the best players that we can get that are also great people and Ryan fits that bill as well. He is an excellent student as well as a very good player. We are proud to get him and his teammate Zach Rule, because I know that Coach Perkins has really coached them well.”

Carlson, Rule and Jeff Holland of Clyde have all committed to play for the Cowboys next season.

HSU’s Spring Commitments (as of March 27)
Ryan Carlson 6-5 Sr. Abilene, Texas (Wylie)
Jeff Holland 6-7 Sr. Clyde, Texas
Zach Rule 6-4 Sr. Abilene, Texas (Wylie)