Montini's Seberger commits to ISU

Alison Seberger has visited Redbird Arena since Candace Parker was winning high school state championships.

Now Seberger can call Redbird home.

The Montini junior guard made a verbal commitment to Illinois State this week, joining sixth-year coach Robin Pingeton's program.

"I have a good feel for the atmosphere," Seberger said. "I went down there for a game on New Year's Day and they drew 2,500 fans. It's awesome."

Seberger, who also considered Bradley, Southern Illinois, Illinois-Chicago, Drake and Ball State, joins a Redbird program coming off a 26-7 season in 2007-08 that culminated in a Missouri Valley Conference championship and NCAA Tournament berth. ISU likes big guards that can shoot, and the 6-1 Seberger fits that mold to a tee.

Seberger, a third-year varsity starter, is averaging 10.5 points per game for 16-2 Montini. She is shooting 41 percent (44 of 107) from 3-point range.

"The kid can flat-out shoot," Montini coach Jason Nichols said, "and with her size can get her shot off."

ISU will lose reigning conference Player of the Year and point guard Kristi Cirone to graduation after this year, but will gain All-State point guard Chanise Jenkins from U-High. Seberger also likes the idea of playing close to home. Her dad Mike played collegiately at Western Michigan.

"My dad is probably my greatest fan," she said, "and he's taught me how to play basketball. Now he can come see me play."