SOUTH POINT — Kimmie Bennett knew what she wanted. Once coach Robin Hager-Smith saw Bennett play, the feeling was mutual.

Bennett looked around and studied a lot of women’s college basketball programs and made the Shawnee State Golden Bears her choice.

Bennett’s AAU coach Chris Chadwick contacted Hagen-Smith and set up a workout. After watching her play, Hagen-Smith decided she wanted to make Bennett’s wish come true.

The South Point Lady Pointers’ 5-foot-10 senior center made the dream a reality as she signed a letter-of-intent with the Golden Bears.

“Definitely I wanted to play there because they were local and they have an extremely good basketball program,” said Bennett. “I was just looking for a good team.”

Bennett was a Division III Southeast Ohio All-District special mention selection last season at Chesapeake where she averaged 12 points and 7.0 rebounds a game.

Although Bennett plays center, she is versatile enough to play other positions on the floor, something that caught the eye of Hagen-Smith.

“The biggest thing I liked was her versatility. She has both guard and post skills,” said Robin-Hagen.

“She also has a great work ethic, she a good person and she has good grades. She has the whole package.”

Bennett’s versatility and an opening on the roster next year could mean early playing time.

“We’re losing the four spot and she can fill the void,” said Hagen-Smith.

“Getting to play early is what I want to do. I want to play, I don’t want to sit,” said Bennett. “I’m there to fulfill my role so we can win. I just want to win.”

Besides Shawnee State, Bennett talked with other schools including Rio Grande, Cleveland State and Bluffton.

“She’s a good player,” said Lady Pointers’ coach Dave Adams. “She has a lot of skills. She causes a lot of match up problems.”

Hagen-Smith said Bennett should be ready to play by next fall.

“She can still get better,” said Hagen-Smith.