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Miquelle Askew's future is set — in basketball anyway.

The 6-foot-3 inch post player from Skyline High School has signed with Boise State University and can't wait to take her game to the next level.

"I am so excited," Askew said of her opportunity to play college basketball. "I'm doing everything in the weight room to get [stronger] and give myself a chance to play."

"She has a lot of ways to score," Skyline coach Deb Bennett said. "She can pull up and hit the jumper or drive to the basket. She's a real fluid athlete and a skillful player around the basket."

But before the versatile Askew can live out her hoop dreams with the Broncos, she's got some unfinished business to attend to as the leader of a rebuilding Skyline girls basketball team.

The Eagles were torn apart by graduation and player transfers this season. The loss of starting point guard Julie Caputo, who transferred to Cyprus, might hurt the Eagles the most. Caputo was no longer able to make the daily commute to the east-side school.

Askew said it was difficult to see a close friend and an accomplished player like Caputo leave the team.

"I was right there with her, it was sad to see," Askew said. "It took a chunk of our offense out." Maybe equally troubling for the Skyline team will be looking at future box scores and seeing the numbers Caputo puts up.

In last week's 2011-12 season opener, the Cyprus guard knocked down a pair 3's and tallied 15 points to help the Pirates beat Bonneville 56-48.

Askew, meanwhile, fought through double teams and triple teams at American Fork and was held in check with just five points and 9 boards in the Eagles' 51-36 loss.

Still, Bennett says her young team showed some flashes of brilliance, thanks to the strong play of sophomore Sydnee Taylor and her game-high 15 points.

"We will continue to gain experience," Bennett said. "There's an upside to this team."

The upside for the Eagles may hinge on a little thing called "team chemistry" and as the senior leader on the team, Askew says she is determined to strengthen this area.

"Most of our team is just inexperienced. [Coaches] are relying on me to tell my teammates what to do. I just need to be focused on doing everything better this season," she said.

An all-state caliber player, Askew knows what it feels like to be the center of attention, for better or worse.

Paired with center Abbie Brickley, the duo averaged almost 25 points and 12 rebounds per game last season. They led the Eagles to the Region 2 title and a 15-7 record.

However, Askew nearly got suspended from the team's opening-round game of the Class 5A tournament for participating in a church basketball game. It's a violation of Utah High School Activities Association rules to compete in a competitive league while playing the high school season.

Askew will serve a one-game suspension on Jan. 10 when the Eagles open region play at home vs. Herriman.

"She knows it, and we know it. We're prepared for it," Bennett said of the impending suspension.

In the meantime, Askew will try to lead this inexperienced Skyline team through a tough preseason schedule, that includes matchups with top-ranked Syracuse and defending 5A champion Alta.

"This is a whole new year," Askew said. "We just want to get some wins." —

Eagles will be led by Askew

Miquelle Askew averaged 12 points and five rebounds per game last season and will be the focal point of the Skyline girls basketball team this year.

The 6-foot-3-inch Askew will serve a 1-game suspension on Jan. 10 (region opener) for participating in a church basketball game last February.

Key returning players: Miquelle Askew, Sydnee Taylor, Ashley Aberton, Ta'a Tuinei.