HUNTINGTON -- As Dusti Chapman signed a National Letter of Intent to play women's basketball at West Virginia State University on Thursday morning, the ceremony took on a double meaning.

Not only was it another chance for Huntington St. Joe to celebrate an athlete moving on to the next level, but it was a chance for reflecting on a spectacular prep career.

When Chapman joined the Irish as a freshman, St. Joe was thinking of dropping girls basketball because of low interest in the program. Upon her exit, Chapman was part of back-to-back Class A state championships and the driving force behind one of the fastest turnarounds in West Virginia sports.

And, even on a day when the focus was on her, she still looked at things from a team perspective. It's a trait that made her a leader.

"We made a statement about ourselves because we weren't on the map. Nobody knew who St. Joe was," Chapman said. "Now, it's watch out for St. Joe. I really like that a lot -- how it all came together for us."

St. Joe coach Shannon Lewis raved about a girl who had to take the reigns of the program as a freshman and excel despite being so young. She answered by leading the team to the state tournament that year.

"That was my favorite year overall -- just making it to states that year," Chapman said. "That would have to be more memorable and exciting."

The Irish haven't looked back.

After finishing as the state runner-up in 2008, St. Joe earned its first girls basketball championship in 2009 and followed it up with a repeat in 2010. During each of those two seasons, the Irish never lost to an in-state opponent.

"Winning that first one was definitely huge, but I like knowing that I finished my career here with back-to-back titles," Chapman said.

While Chapman was more geared toward speaking of team accomplishments, Lewis said she will be mentioned as one of the top girls basketball players in West Virginia history.

It's hard to argue with that. Not only was she a Class A first-team selection in all four years, she was also named to the Class A all-state tournament team all four years.

"You can probably count on one hand how many players that's happened with," Lewis said. "I can only think of one or two."

At West Virginia State, Chapman will work daily with assistant coach Meg Withrow, a Nitro High School graduate who played at Marshall University after transferring from UNC Wilmington.

Chapman and Withrow both used defense and speed to translate to easy offense while also being the definitive leader of their teams.

Whether it was offensively getting a basket or defensively ensuring a stop, both players were often called on during their high school careers.

It makes for a connection Chapman thinks will be beneficial.

"I knew Meg through AAU and I came down and watched her play at Marshall. She said we are similar, so I'm really excited to play under her," Chapman said. "I don't think that dawned on me, but it's definitely important knowing that she understands how I play. She can help me make adjustments to my game that are helpful."

While Chapman is moving on, Lewis said her impact will certainly show through the other players.

"She's a great kid and her tenacity on the floor rubbed off on the other kids," Lewis said. "That was her leadership as much as anything.

"Whatever we needed done to win, she did."

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