Jags’ Capers commits to West Virginia

GASTONIA — Jessica Capers didn’t want to play the recruiting game any longer.

The Forestview basketball star late last month issued a verbal commitment to play for West Virginia beginning in 2008-09.

“I got tired of talking to college coaches a lot,” Capers said. “I got a lot of calls, so I just wanted to get it over with.”

Capers plans to major in dentistry, a key factor in her decision. She also liked the basketball program, which won a first-round NCAA Tournament game last season for the first time in 15 years.

Miami, Wake Forest, Charlotte, Virginia Commonwealth, High Point, James Madison and Georgia Tech also offered, Capers said. Kansas, South Carolina, UNC Asheville and Florida State showed interest.

Capers also liked West Virginia’s relative proximity to home. She’ll face a six-hour drive to Morgantown, W. Va.

She took an unofficial visit in June and has scheduled an official visit for Sept. 1.

The 6-foot-1 forward/center led Forestview in scoring and rebounding the past two seasons. Last season, she averaged 15.6 points and 9.0 rebounds, leading the Jaguars to the Big South tournament title and regular-season co-championship. She also helped her team tie a school record with 27 wins.

She attended individual camps at Miami and Wake Forest this summer, in addition to team camp at Charlotte.

You can reach Phillip Gardner at (704) 869-1843.