GREENCASTLE — She has made a decision.

Recognized as one of the elite high school players in the state, Greencastle-Antrim’s Jenay Faulkner has verbally committed to continue her basketball career at Holy Cross, joining the NCAA Division-I ranks after graduating in 2017.

Only a junior, Faulkner is already third on G-A’s all-time scoring list, having surpassed 1,000 career points in December. Considering her current pace, she should easily finish as the top scorer in program history.

Her can’t-miss talent paired with AAU exposure brought interest from several D-I schools, including West Point, Bucknell, Northeastern, Kent State, Lehigh and Davidson.

Upon a second visit to Holy Cross, located in Massachusetts, Faulkner made a verbal commitment to become a Crusader last week.

“I visited there this summer and was really impressed with the campus and the coaches, but I didn’t get to meet with the team,” Faulkner said. “When I went back for a second visit, I spent the whole day with the team and I could see myself fitting with the program. This has always been a dream of mine (to play Division I in college) and it’s pretty special to have it come true.”

A season ago, Faulkner was selected to the Pennsylvania All-State Second Team as a sophomore, leading the Blue Devils to a 25-4 record and the District 3-AAA title.

Averaging more than 21 points per game this winter, she’s been the centerpiece for G-A’s 12-1 start.

“I’m thrilled that she found the right place for her,” Greencastle head coach Mike Rhine said. “Jenay and her family did plenty of homework, so I’m sure she made the right decision. She wants to go somewhere and play and contribute, which Holy Cross offers.”

Competing in the Patriot League under accomplished coach Bill Gibbons, Holy Cross provides the opportunity for Faulkner to continue shining on a big stage, something she’s thrived at throughout her career.

“Their coach is a genuine guy that didn’t necessarily try to sell me on anything,” the daughter of Troy and Kristy Faulkner said. “He just told me how I would fit into the program and that I would have a chance to earn a spot as a freshman if I work hard.”

Making a decision on her future this early also allows Faulkner to focus on the here and now, putting aside the pressures associated with a top-tier recruit.

“I’m definitely relieved,” she said. “There was a lot of stress with the whole process and now I at least have where I’m going out of the way.”

Similarly, Rhine expects the commitment to remove some of the outside influences, creating the potential for Faulkner to become an even better player.

“She’s been great for so long that she was always being evaluated,” Rhine said. “This should help her relax, take a deep breath, and play free. Jenay is a perfectionist as it is, so now she can put her full attention on any areas she wants to improve.”

Such a concept could be a scary proposition for opponents during the remainder of her Blue Devil career, and perhaps future counterparts at the next level.