Bradley grows on Wheaton North's Vine

Bradley wasn't always Fantasia Vine's college of choice. She originally thought the Missouri Valley Conference mid-major was a Division II program.

A trip to Peoria changed her opinion.

"We went down there," Vine said, "and it was like heaven. Their facilities, everything, it's amazing."

Vine will be a part of it next year, as the Wheaton North senior has committed to the Braves basketball program.

Vine chose Bradley over offers from Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Illinois-Chicago, among others. Indiana also showed interest in Vine.

"I like the players there the teammates there are like family, very much like we are here at Wheaton North," Vine said.

This school year Bradley is opening its new Renaissance Coliseum on the former site of Robertson Memorial Fieldhouse. The $50 million, 4,200-seat facility will serve as the home court for the volleyball and women's basketball teams, and as the practice facility for men's and women's basketball. State-of-the-art facilities in academic assistance and strength and conditioning are also housed in the new building.

"She told me that Bradley just felt like home," said Wheaton North coach Dave Eaton, who made the visit to Peoria with Vine.

Vine, who didn't start playing organized basketball until eighth grade, emerged as one of the best guards in the area as a junior last season. She averaged close to 16.5 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals for the 17-10 DuPage Valley Conference co-champions.

"I never thought about playing in college until after my sophomore year," Vine said.

A host of Division I programs took notice. Wisconsin scouted her at the McDonald's Shootout. Rutgers showed interest, as did Purdue. Vine visited seven schools.

Vine is Wheaton North's first Division I recruit for women's basketball since Sue Murphy in 1985.

Eaton spoke with pride about a kid that puts in 300 shots on her own before school to get better. Her dream to attend college and play at that level is realized.

"It's a great success story," Eaton said of Vine. "She dedicated herself to improving as a freshman and by the end of her freshman year she was averaging 35 points a game for the freshman team. She had an OK sophomore year, but all of a sudden it just clicked. Last year was really sort of her coming out party. I'm so excited for her. She has worked herself to that level. She loves basketball and her heart is in the right place."