SMU was an easy choice, Jackson's Leet says

Southern Methodist University women's basketball team will get both a Leet and elite player in a single swipe of the pen today.

Jackson senior standout Jenna Leet, who made an oral commitment in early September, will sign with the Lady Mustangs.

For Leet, a 6-footer who averaged 18 points and seven rebounds her junior year, the decision was a no-brainer. She made SMU, a NCAA Division I school in Dallas, her only official visit and came away smitten.

"I just knew that's where I needed to go," Leet said. "Some people have a rough time when it comes to the recruiting process. Mine was a piece of cake. It was really easy for me to decide."

SMU, coached by Rhonda Rompola and a member of the WAC, first contacted Leet in May. She made an unofficial visit in June while playing in an AAU tournament in Texas, and her official visit sealed the deal.

"They are the full package," Leet said. "Academically, their school is phenomenal; their campus is awesome; their players I really got along with them whenever I went down and visited; and the coaches really want to get to know you. They want you to have a good time there."

It was also a load off her mind.

"That was one of the biggest decisions I'm going to make and I'm so glad I could make it early," Leet said. "I can relax and enjoy my last high school season and just focus on that a lot more."

For Jackson coach Ron Cook, it was his second player in two years to sign with a Division I school. Former Indian standout Andrea Koeper signed with Southeast after the 2000-01 season.

Leet expects to play shooting guard/forward for SMU. She also plays such a role for Jackson, but with added ball-handling responsibilities.

Leet, who will be a four-year starter this year, can score from anywhere on the court. She joined Jackson's career 1,000-point club last year when she made second-team all-state. She shot 42 percent from 3-point range and was a 92 percent free-throw shooter.

She was also selected an AAU all-American over the summer.

"Any time you're able to coach someone with that kind of talent, you feel very fortunate," Cook said. "I just hope this year we can combine everyone with her and have good chemistry."

jbreer@semissourian.com

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