Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Elle Ruffridge of Pocahontas Area waves to the crowd after breaking the all-time assist record during Class 3A quarterfinal action in Des Moines.

This past weekend, Elle Ruffridge and the Pocahontas Area girls celebrated their second straight Class 3A state championship.

And to the surprise of no one, Ruffridge collected top honors for her efforts on the court.

The Missouri State University signee was tabbed 2017 Miss Basketball, and earned first team Iowa Newspaper Association all-state honors after leading all of Iowa in points, assists and made three-pointers.

Ruffridge was not alone. Teammates Grace Meyer and Faith Meyer were also named all-staters, along with area players Maddie Miller of Algona, Jenna Boelter from Bishop Garrigan and Erin Gerke of Newell-Fonda.

Ruffridge averaged 30 points per game — five better than her closest challenger to that crown. She was 287 of 493 from the field, 157-for-289 from the three-point line and made 109 of 119 free throws through 28 games.

“I am very humbled and honored to receive such an award,” said Ruffridge, who was named the Gatorade Player of the Year last season and is a favorite once again to claim that honor later this month. “All of the countless hours that I have put in outside of practice have been worth the sacrifice.

“I’ve had many opportunities throughout my life to play the game I love.”

While her scoring was elite, her abilities as a point guard were just as strong. Ruffridge finished with 203 assists to just 57 turnovers, while also grabbing 130 steals.

For her career, Ruffridge finished atop the state’s career scoring (2,951), made three-pointers (466) and assists (802) charts. She was named all-state in all four years.

Pocahontas Area went a combined 100-7 during that period of time, which included two state championships and a runner-up finish.

“Knowing that I just played my last game as an Indian is finally setting in, and it’s hard to think about,” Ruffridge said. “These last couple of days, I have been on an emotional rollercoaster to say the least.”

Grace Meyer, who landed on the 3A first team alongside Ruffridge, posted nine points per game and hit 41 three-pointers while also grabbing a team-high 6.1 rebounds. She added 136 assists, 86 steals and 18 blocks to her senior stat line.

“Making the all state team means so much to me,” Grace said. “I have worked hard over the years in hopes that I would be successful.

“It feels great to see my hard work paying off.”

Faith Meyer, a third-team selection, scored just under 13 points, shooting 57 percent from the field. The future Morningside College player — who will play alongside her sister — also had 106 assists and 110 steals.

Like Ruffridge, the Meyer twins have turned in incredible four-year careers with the Indians. Faith finished with 1,244 points, 355 steals, 304 assists and 168 triples. Grace registered 895 points, 644 rebounds, 398 assists, 350 steals and made 123 three-pointers.

Miller, a second-team choice in 3A, landed along the front line in 3A after averaging 16 points and six rebounds per game. The senior shot 53 percent from the field and 42 percent from the three-point line while also blocking 47 shots.

Boelter, just a junior, was tabbed to the 1A second team. She led the Golden Bears in points (18.5 per), assists (61) and steals (62), along with connecting on 68 triples and shooting 80 percent at the free throw line.

Gerke, a second teamer as well, helped the Mustangs reach a regional final and claimed second team 1A honors, as the senior posted almost 14 points and four boards a night. She was also one of just nine players in the states to have 100-plus assists (115) and steals (111).

Ruffridge, Faith Meyer, Grace Meyer and Gerke were all honored last year as well.