By ALEX ABATE ~ DAR Sports Writer

DONIPHAN -- Doniphan's Jaysa Blackwell has always wanted to play college basketball and now she has the chance to do so.

Blackwell signed her letter of intent to play basketball for Missouri Universirty of Science and Technology, formerly University of Missouri-Rolla, Thursday afternoon at Doniphan High School.

"After my visit there, I felt like that is where I would fit in best," Jaysa Blackwell said. "They have a good program and the academics are good too. It is a good opportunity."

Jaysa averaged 10.1 points per game over her senior season and had 93 assists and just 35 turnovers in her final season with her father Jimbo Blackwell as her coach. Even though she would get frustrated at him at times, Jaysa is glad Jimbo pushed her.

"He made me really, really mentally tough," Jaysa said. "At times, we would get in fights because he was so hard on me and I didn't understand why.

"I see why now and would like to thank him for it."

Jimbo is glad his daughter, a Missouri Basketball Coaches Association all-district and all-region selection, is talented enough to move on to the next level.

"It is a good feeling as a dad because she wants to play and gets the opportunity to," Jimbo said. "I am looking forward to going and watching her play."

Jaysa had other offers, but likes the NCAA Division II squad's proximity to her hometown of Doniphan.

"I wanted family and friends to be able to come watch," Jaysa said.

At 5-3, the two-time OFC All-Conference player has many skills of a quality guard to play in college.

"She is pretty good at scoring off the dribble," Jimbo said. "She knows what her role is and how to get the ball to where it needs to be. She is a great onthe-ball defender."

Jaysa knows the competition at MUST is going to be much better than much of what she faced as a Donette.

"In high school, I didn't like to shoot 3s," Jaysa said. "My range is going to have to expand and I have to knock the 3 down every time to be effective."

Jimbo also said Jaysa will need to sure up her long-range shooting, among other things.

"As small as she is, she is going to have to get stronger," Jimbo said. "She will have to improve her defense away from the ball like everyone else who goes to the next level."

Jaysa would like go into business, but also said that could change as she progresses through college.