Sports

Loughlin’s Alston joins Exodus, nears college commitment

DISTRICT HEIGHTS, Md. – Jasmine Alston’s college list is growing shorter and her attention to it is greater.

“It’s becoming more realistic,” she said. “I never really focused on it. I just wanted to play.”

The Bishop Loughlin rising senior point guard has offers from Seton Hall and LaSalle and interest from VCU, James Madison and recently added South Carolina to the list. She has visited LaSalle unofficially and plans on checking out VCU in August. Alston, who is playing with Exodus NYC this summer, hopes to commit by the end of the summer.

“Now you got to know what you’re doing for the next four years,” she said. “It’s getting real serious.”

The Queens native is looking to add versatility to her game this summer by working on her shooting and improving her point guard skills. Her athletic 5-foot-9 frame allows her to see over defenders, handle the physical rigors of bringing up the ball and scoring with contact while going to the basket.

Those are all skills she showed as she led Loughlin to a state Federation Class A title last season. Alston had 12 points and 13 rebounds in a title game win over Curtis in Albany. Monday night she helped sent Exodus to its first win of the USJN/Nike National Championships over Below the Rim (Fla.) at the NovaDome in Chantilly, Va.

“She’s very mature,” Exodus coach Lauren Best said. “On the floor she is a leader. Once she understands this speed and this style of basketball, which she is designed for, she’s been fantastic for us.”

Alston left the Philadelphia Belles to play with Exodus this summer. She made trips to Philadelphia every weekend for practices and new rules limit the number of out-of-state players on travel teams. Alston felt a connection with Exodus and its New York City players. She has formed a dynamic backcourt with Nazareth’s Bianca Cuevas.

“I am more used to the girls,” Alston said. “It felt more like family. I think Exodus is a good move for me.”

jstaszewski@nypost.com