DCHS senior Lady Tiger standout Ashli Chew signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Bryan College Tuesday.

The signing came the day after Chew broke the 1,000 career-point mark against the Upperman Bees.

Lady Tiger Coach Joe Pat Cope pointed out that Chew reached the 1,000 point mark despite an injury that sidelined her for most of her sophomore year.

“She tore an ACL her freshman year and was out her sophomore year,” Cope shared. “Otherwise she would probably be at 1500 points now. She has worked so hard to battle back from that. It looks like she has a good chance to be the Valedictorian this year with a 4.9 grade point average. As far as her work ethic, nobody surpasses it. I called her Saturday to talk about the signing and she was with a personal trainer in Smyrna working on her game. That's just the kind of kid she is. Ashli is constantly in the weight room, working or shooting, and that is why she is at this level.”

Chew said that she was honored to be in the company of the few Lady Tigers to reach the 1,000-point milestone.

"That is really awesome. I think there have only been seven females in DeKalb County that have ever gotten 1,000 points, so that in itself is substantial,” Chew said. “As Coach Cope said, I had a knee injury as a freshman and I was released in the middle of my sophomore year. When I returned I was rusty, and knew it would be really hard to get my 1,000th point. I just have some awesome teammates and coaches who really push me. It's just a really big honor to be part of it," said Chew.

Chew said that playing college ball is a life-long dream, and that one visit to the Bryan campus in Dayton sealed the deal.

"I've always wanted a basketball scholarship. I've always wanted to continue my career, because I've worked so hard for it. I've gotten looks from a few different places, but I toured Bryan and I absolutely loved it. I love everything about it. It's a Christian school, and it's pretty close to home. It's a place where I think I could really play and really reach my full potential. I decided the first time I went that this is where I want to go,” Chew said at the signing.

Bryan Head Coach Jason Smith praised Chew for her attitude and work ethic.

"We're excited about Ashli,” Smith said. “I guess I could say what is not to like about Ashli? She is an all-around great kid and great student. She has a great work ethic and is a great basketball player. She is a great fit for Bryan College in what she stands for in her personal life, spiritual life, and athletic life.”