While the University of Toledo women’s basketball team was rolling to a WNIT championship last month, an increasing fan base watched as the Rockets achieved a milestone in the program’s history.

One girl who was especially focused on UT’s progress was Notre Dame Academy junior basketball standout Cat Wells, who no doubt was impressed by head coach Tricia Cullop’s team.

So much so, as it turned out, that Wells announced her verbal commitment Thursday to accept a scholarship offer from the 29-8, Mid-American Conference regular-season champion Rockets.

The explosively quick, crafty and versatile 5-4 point guard also considered proximity in making her decision to join the Rockets after she graduates in 2012.

“I wanted to be close to home,” Wells said. “The Rockets are a top team, and I felt comfortable and inspired by the Rocket players I met.

“I have a strong area support system, and wanted to benefit from that continued support.”

Wells was a first-team All-City League and Division I all-district selection the last two yearns, and this past season was also accorded third-team All-Ohio honors after leading the 19-5 Eagles to runner-up finishes behind eventual state semifinalist Start in both the City League and the D-I district tournament.

She averaged 13.9 points, 6.5 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 2.9 steals per game for Notre Dame, shooting 61 percent from two-point range, 46 percent on 3-pointers, and 74 percent from the foul line. Wells was also named to the All-Blade first team.

“We are extremely excited for Cat and her decision to stay close to home,” Notre Dame coach Travis Galloway said. “Her hard work over the past three years has paid off, and given her a chance to play for one of the premier teams in the MAC.”

Wells, who plans to major in psychology, listed Bowling Green, Xavier, Washington State, Florida State and Western Illinois as some of the top programs that had recruited her.

Contact Steve Junga at:

sjunga@theblade.com

or 419-724-6461.

First Published May 6, 2011, 5:00 a.m.