After visiting the University of Southern Indiana, Imani Guy knew that would be a good place to continue her basketball career.
The Columbus North senior gave a verbal commitment to USI coach Rick Stein on Tuesday night to begin playing for the Screamin’ Eagles next year.
“I didn’t want to go somewhere super far away from home,” Guy said. “I wanted to stay in state, and I liked how close the team was with each other. I liked that they were all close together, and they hang out all the time. It’s like a family there.”
The 6-foot-4 center said she also had scholarship offers from Evansville and East Carolina. She said USI started recruiting her at beginning of this school year.
Guy, whose volleyball season just ended last week, also had considered playing that sport in college.
“I was thinking about it a lot last year, trying to decide which one I wanted to play,” Guy said. “But it came down to, I like basketball more. I miss (volleyball) already, just being with my team here.”
Last season, Guy averaged 9.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.2 blocked shots to help the Bull Dogs to a 27-2 record and a Class 4A state runner-up finish. She was an Indiana Junior All-State selection.
The Eagles, who went 14-13 last season, are graduating two post players, so Guy likely will be able to step in and see action as a freshman.
“It looks to be an ideal fit, not only basketball-wise, where I think she’ll have an opportunity to play early and probably excel, but scholastically, as well,” North coach Pat McKee said.
Guy is the second North girls basketball player in two weeks to announce her college decision. Fellow senior Maliah Howard-Bass is headed to Ball State.
This year, those two players and senior point guard Ashlyn Huffman, who is currently sidelined while recovering from an ACL tear, hope to lead North to a second state title in three years. The Bull Dogs open the regular season Nov. 8 at home against New Albany.
“I’m really excited,” Guy said. “It’s good to be back with the girls. I’ve missed them a lot. I want to get back to state and win this year.”
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Imani Guy” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Name: Imani Guy
School: Columbus North
Year: Senior
Height: 6-foot-4
Sports: Basketball, volleyball
Favorite sport: Basketball
Favorite athlete: Larry Bird
College choice: Southern Indiana
Intended major: Business marketing
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