It wasn’t long ago that Jasmine Peeples was starring on the basketball court at Selma High School. Peeples, at 6-foot-2, served as a towering post presence and led the Lady Saints deep into the playoffs three times during her high school career.

Now, as a junior at Alabama State University, Peeples is having a career season.

She leads the Southwestern Athletic Conference in rebounds per game (10.2) and blocked shots per game (3.6) and ranks among the top 12 in field goal percentage and points per game.

Against Grambling State Jan. 3, Peeples scored 22 points and had 21 rebounds and five blocks.

“I was surprised because I didn’t know I had that many rebounds,” Peeples said. “I realized that if I work hard I can help my team any way possible, even if it’s just two points a night. Any way I can help them and we can get the win.”

She’s having a large impact on the offensive end, as she’s second on the team in scoring, but her biggest impact is on the defensive side of the floor.

In twelve games, Peeples already has 43 blocks. The second highest total of any player in the SWAC is Shamiya Brooks from Prarie View A&M with 17.

She credits her ability to block shots to her love of softball.

“I used to play softball so I think it’s the hand-eye coordination,” Peeples said. “I think it just went over to blocking shots.”

Peeples decided to give basketball a try in the ninth grade, but she had to learn all the fundamentals first. She didn’t get any extended time on the court until she was a sophomore.

“I remember when I started playing in high school,” Peeples said. “Back then it was more just something to do just for fun, but I realized if I was doing something I should focus on getting better.”

Selma High girls’ coach Anthony Harris said Peeples’ abilities started to shine through her junior year.

“Jasmine played her freshmen year and her sophomore year and she started coming around,” Harris said. “Her junior year — that’s when she blossomed. She came around.”

She signed a scholarship to play at Alabama State in April 2012. After two years as a role player, she’s stepped into the starting center spot this year and is seen as a leader for a Hornets’ roster loaded with freshmen.

“I just want to be a good example on and off the floor,” Peeples said. “Whether it be academics making sure I’m putting in time and work to make sure I get good grades or on the floor, making sure I’m respecting the coaches and putting forth effort and not just going through the motions at practice.”

Peeples isn’t just shining on the court though.  She has already graduated, earning a bachelor’s degree in communications and public relations, and she’s working towards a graduate degree in applied technology.

Harris said Peeples is the kind of player he can point out to his current group of players as proof that hard work pays off.

“That’s a person you can look up to, that came through the trenches,” Harris said.

Harris said Peeples put in the time and effort to be the player she is today.

“It’s an honor to know her and to have coached her,” Harris said. “She has all the qualities of good character.”