Laney senior Jasmine Young's high school career likely will be remembered mostly for her performance in the 2006 Region 3-AA championship game against Putnam County.

In that game, Young blocked 17 shots to lead the Lady Wildcats to the first of two region titles.

But it is her overall body of work, on the court and in the classroom, that has gotten her to the next level.

Young, a 6-foot defensive force in the post with a 3.8 grade point average, signed Friday to play basketball on scholarship with Hampton (Va.) University of the Division I Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

Young was a four-year starter in high school, the first two years for Richmond Academy and the last two for Laney.

"It's special. This is a good day," said Young, the valedictorian of her senior class. "All four years, I've tried to play great defense. (Hampton) saw my tape, and they liked my defense and rebounding."

Young said she chose Hampton over Wagner (N.Y.) College, where she was snowed in on a March visit, and the Air Force Academy.

"It just felt right. The team really treated me like I was already on the team, like I already was a player there," she said. "There was a real family atmosphere."

Laney coach Otis Smart said Young was one of the best leaders he's ever had.

"I'm thankful for having the opportunity to coach her," he said. "She's a furious rebounder and shot-blocker, and she does well in school. That's what it's all about."

Young's coach at Richmond Academy, Pat Rivers, was in attendance along with nearly 50 friends and family.

"She's been great to watch, from her freshman year growing into the kind of talent that can play at the next level," Rivers said.

Young dedicated her signing to her father, James, and her brother, Michael Tolson, who missed most of her prep career while serving overseas in the military. They now have four more years' worth of chances to see her play.

"It's just a lifelong dream for her," said Young's mother, Karen, who lives in New Jersey, where James is to be stationed in May. "And her education is highly important to her as well, so we're very happy about that.

"I'm a little nervous about her going away to school and playing Division I, but it's a great relief also."

Reach Steve Sanders at (706) 823-3216 or steven.l.sanders@augustachronicle.com.