"It’s very exciting to make this decision and have the pressure of recruiting out of the way," Wheeler said. "I think it’s going to take a lot of pressure off of me so I can enjoy my senior season."

Wheeler got comfortable with the Gamecocks’ coaches last summer with their visits to see her games with the Atlanta Celtics. And she made a quick impression with two tournament victories at the elite AAU level.

The East Hall senior post decided to commit to South Carolina due to the fact that its relatively close to home and she sees herself playing early.

Once the signing is complete for Wheeler, it’s back to working on keeping the state championship trophy in Valhalla. She is the lone returning starter from last season’s Class AAA champions.

Wheeler averaged 13 points and seven rebounds per game, and was named the Times’ 2007 Girls Area Player of the Year.