Charles Henderson senior Maori Davenport had a weekend to remember when she announced that she has committed to Rutgers University.

Last week the prized recruit announced that she had narrowed her list of potential schools down to four in Mississippi State, Rutgers, Louisville and Georgia. The decision came down to the wire, but by lunchtime Saturday, Davenport was a Scarlet Knight.

“It was exciting,” Davenport said. “I chose the date and when I wanted to release things. It was all based on me. Honestly I think I knew for sure on the day that I announced it.”

The decision to become a Scarlet Knight came as a surprise to many, including Davenport’s teammates.

“They were excited,” Davenport said. “I don’t think there were a lot of people that thought I was going to pick that school.”

Davenport will be coached by women’s basketball hall of famer C. Vivian Stringer, who has been at Rutgers since the 1995-1996 season. Being able to play for coach Stringer, was a big selling point for one of the nation’s top recruits.

“I like the team a lot, but I really like the coach,” Davenport said. “She has done a lot for a lot of people and I feel like she will care about me too.”

Davenport is currently ranked as the 15th best prospect by ESPN and is a five-star recruit. She will be taking her talents to Piscataway, New Jersey.

“It’s going to be different,” Davenport said. “I think I’m ready for something a little different.”

Although she is ready to embrace change, Davenport admits that playing so far away from home is one of the downsides.

“Honestly, I didn’t plan to go that far. That is the only con about going to that school, but everything else is great,” Davenport said.

With the decision now behind her, Davenport can concentrate on her senior season. Davenport and the Trojans have their eyes set on winning back-to-back state championships.

Individually, Davenport hopes to continue to grow as a player after she put up approximately 18 points, 12 rebounds and 5.4 blocked shots per game.

“I just want to continue to grow as a player like I have been doing every year,” Davenport said. “I don’t want to get stuck in the same spot.”

Davenport is scheduled to sign the scholarship on November 14.