Although no official word is expected until next week, Jane Albright has planted a necessary seed if the NIU women’s basketball team intends on a third-straight postseason appearance in 1992.

The Northern Star has learned that Belvidere High School standout Leslie Pottinger has verbally committed to NIU.

“I’m going to sign with Northern within the next week,” Pottinger confirmed. “I’m really excited about the opportunity to play at Northern, and I think I’ll fit in well.”

With the upcoming graduation of Lisa Foss, Denise Dove and Toby Meeks, Albright’s well of guards seemed to have run dry. But, Pottinger hit the nail right on the head when she acknowledged that she’ll fit in well.

The 5-11 guard fills Albright’s backcourt gap, even though E.C. Hill is ready to come off the shelf after sitting out under Prop 48 rules this year. Pottinger’s coach Mark Frailey feels that she can make an immediate impact.

“I really want to say that she can step in and play,” Frailey admitted, “but she’s going to have to be patient. Leslie is a very good ball handler and an excellent passer.”

Pottinger scores too. In just two-and-one-half years of basketball at Belvidere, Pottinger will depart with the distinction of being the All-Time Leading scorer (8,934 points). In her senior season, the two-year all-conference, all-area selection led Belvidere with a 20.4 scoring average.

Pottinger is also a three-sport state qualifier for Belvidere in track, cross country and basketball.

“I think Northern will be very pleased with Leslie,” Frailey said. “She’s a good all-around basketball player, but her biggest plus is her athleticism.”

Heart sides with Pottinger too. The two-year MVP rebounded from a stress fracture in her foot that sidelined her for more than a year.

“It seems to be healed,” Pottinger said. “It hasn’t acted up at all. The last X-rays showed that it was stronger than ever and I believe it myself.”