The Selma High School Lady Saints’ basketball team is sending another player off to the collegiate level after a successful season on the court.

Lady Saints’ center Jasmine Peeples has committed to continuing her academic and athletic careers at Alabama State University as a member of the Lady Hornets’ basketball team.

Jasmine said it feels good to be able to continue her playing career, and she’s ready for the challenge that college basketball will bring.

“It feels great. I’m ready for the next level, ready to play college basketball, get in and make the effort, and make a difference in the program,” Jasmine said. “It’s going to take hard work, lots of practice. I have skills I need to refine and stuff. I’ll just practice to get stamina up, cardio and all of that.”

Jasmine is the third member of the Lady Saints to sign a scholarship to play at the next level, as teammates Jameneshia Caver and Jonishia Jackson both committed to play for Wallace Community College-Selma earlier this year.

Lady Saints’ head coach Anthony Harris said consistently sending players on to continue pursuing their athletic and academic careers is a tribute to the program’s success.

“That’s an honor and I think that’s the fourth player that has gone to Alabama State since I took over the program,” Harris said. “It’s an honor within our community and it says a whole lot about our program, plus those are some of the positive things that we have going on in Selma and at Selma High School. Kids play in the athletic arena and can also get scholarships out of that, and that’s good for not only Jasmine, but it’s also good for her family. Hopefully, that will show some of the other kids that hard work, dedication, determination, will and desire can lead you to the same package.”

Jasmine’s mother, Joyce Peeples, said she’s happy for her daughter and she thanks God for it all.

“It’s just been a blessing to witness her talent, and I feel like they’re God-Given talents,” Joyce said. “We just give God all the glory and praise, and we look forward to continuing to watch.”

Jasmine’s father, Willie Peeples, said he’s thankful for Jasmine’s success, and he’s glad he’ll be able to make the short trip to Montgomery to see her play.

“We just look forward to seeing her prosper and grow at Alabama State,” Willie said. “She’s local, so we can go and watch her play. We just look forward to it and thank God for it.”

Jasmine said she owes her parents and coaches for encouraging her to do great.

“My parents, they always pushed me,” Jasmine said. “My high school coaches and my AAU coaches always pushed me. I just want to thank my parents, and my coaches — coach Harris, coach (Melissa) White, coach (Darrell) Davis — and my AAU coaches.”