Haywood's Jamirah Shutes commits to Memphis

For Haywood senior Jamirah Shutes, the decision for which college she wanted to attend came down to how she related to the coaching staff.

So with a post on Twitter on Sunday afternoon, Shutes made her commitment to play college basketball at the University of Memphis.

"Choosing from many SEC schools, I think I connected with the coaches at Memphis better than anything," Shutes said. "My mom and dad didn't care where I went, and they said that they would always support me no matter where I went. But my other family, they thought it would be better if I stayed close and tried to put the city on the map."

For Shutes, who is a 5-foot-7 point guard, the decision came down to two schools; she chose Memphis over Purdue.

Shutes is a three-year starter for the Lady Tomcats and has led the team to the Class AA sectionals each of her three years of high school, including a state quarterfinal appearance in 2016.

"Doing it now, I feel relieved," Shutes said. "I didn't want to go into my senior season thinking of where I wanted to go. I want it to be a smooth year."

Shutes averaged 25.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.4 steals per game as a junior and was named to the All-West Tennessee Girls Basketball First Team.

There are eight weeks remaining until the start of the 2017-18 basketball season, and Shutes wants to keep her focus on finishing her high school career strong.

"I know that I have to work twice as hard now that I have made this decision," Shutes said. "This is another level of basketball, so I have to work harder."

Reach Michael Odom at michodom@jacksonsun.com or 731-425-9754 and on Twitter @JSWriterMichael.