Parsons, a 5-foot-6 junior point guard who averaged 13.9 points, five assists and two steals a game last season for the two-time defending 2A champion Rams, is already assured of continuing her hoop career after her senior season.

Parsons has given a verbal commitment to play basketball at Southern Utah University for coach Steve Hodson beginning in the 2009 season.

"I'm real excited," said Parsons, whose father Rhet played on SUU's men's team for two seasons (1987-89) while Hodson was an assistant under then head coach Neil Roberts. "I grew up around (basketball) in the gym with my dad. I always wanted to play at SUU."

Added Rhet Parsons: "I'm tickled to death to have her play at SUU. It's a goal she's had since she was little. That was an easy decision for me to have her play for Steve."

Parsons' time around the game, and her hard work to improve on the court, paid off. Last season she converted 81 percent of her free throws and ranged in on 52 percent of her field goal attempts, including 43 percent beyond the 3-point arc as the Lady Rams successfully defended their 2A title.

Parsons has her senior season, during South Sevier's quest for a third straight championship, to hone her game. Improving on the court is a facet Rhett Parsons has always been direct with Jadie about.

"I pushed her hard," Rhet Parsons said. "If she didn't want it, I wouldn't have pushed her hard. It's really fun to see her succeed and enjoy the game. Hopefully she'll help SUU in a good situation. I thought she'd get a chance to play, but I didn't know it would come this soon."

Added Jadie's mom, Kim Parsons: "We think a lot of (Hodson) and think she'll have a great experience under him. She's very goal-driven. She's always wanted to play for SUU."

Parsons' on-court drive began at age five with her start in organized basketball. It was her hoop competition outside the gym, however, that toughened her up.

"I mostly played with boys in little pick-up games in the backyard," Parsons said. "That's what helped me a lot. (Younger brother) Race plays against me a lot. He's taller than me and gives me a good challenge."

Parsons also found the desire to improve while watching, and then playing with, former South Sevier standout guard Jenna Ware.

Her rehabilitation back to playing shape after she suffered a broken leg during an 8th-grade tournament championship game confirmed her resolute passion for the game.

"After (the injury), I was interested to see her work ethic, interested to see how hard she worked to get that strength back in her leg," Kim Parsons said.

Parsons' work ethic will serve her well under Hodson's demanding drive for perfection.

"I hope she can live up to expectations he has for her," Rhet Parsons said. "She can shoot the ball, but needs to work on going to the basket. It'll be fun. She'll get to play and get a good education."

Parsons has turned her love of basketball into the opportunity she's waited her lifetime for.

"It's a dream that's come true for her," Kim Parsons said.