AUBURN — Central Maine Community College women’s basketball has received a commitment from Mountain Valley Conference player of the year Samantha Bruce of Madison to join the program next year.

A four-year varsity player at Madison, Bruce averaged 16 points and 5 rebounds this past season to lead the Bulldogs to a 15-3 regular season and an appearance in the Class C West Regional Final.

Bruce is a 2-time MVC 1st Team All-Star in basketball. She also played softball and soccer in high school. She was named a 2013 Maine McDonald’s Senior All-Star this past season.

Several factors led her to select CM.

“I was able to attend several games this past season and even stay for an overnight visit,” she said. “I enjoyed the atmosphere around the entire campus, and everyone seemed to work together and be supportive of each other. The size of the school and its location were also important factors.”

CM’s style of play also was to Bruce’s liking.

“I loved how the team had such a positive attitude, and Coach (Andrew) Morong really makes them work hard to get the most out of them. They use the fast break a lot and they love to press, I think it’s going to be a lot of fun to play like that.

“The game is going to be so much faster at the next level and the shot clock really impacts the game. The competition level CM faces is very intense and games are very physical. Everyone is more aggressive. I think I am definitely going to contribute next season. I am going to push myself and help the team succeed anyway I can.”

Morong, who led the Mustangs to their second straight Yankee Conference title and USCAA national tournament berth in 2012-13, said that Bruce will be an immediate impact player.

“Sam has a great understanding of the game and she is a very hard worker. She can score from the perimeter and attack of the bounce,” said the coach. “What impresses me most about her is that she is a relentless competitor but balances that with being very positive and encouraging. That is not something you see very often.”

At Madison, Bruce played for Al Veneziano, who has racked up more than 300 victories there.

“(Bruce) had a great coach for four years who set high expectations, which is going to make her transition to the college game a lot smoother,” Morong said. “We watched Sam play quite a bit this season and she was on campus multiple times. It really is a great fit.”