GARY — Shanee Butler wanted a challenge.

The senior point guard from Horace Mann received one when she decided to enroll at Roosevelt late last week. The Panthers finished last season 4-13. They lost in the first round of sectionals to Kankakee Valley.

“Roosevelt can play ball,” Butler said. “I guarantee you we’ll win at least 10 games and finish at least second in conference.”

The 5-foot-5 point guard, who averaged 21 points per game last year, had been the object of every school after Mann closed after the 2003-04 school year.

Most observers figured that West Side, which finished the season at 22-3, had the edge — and if not West Side, then Lew Wallace.

Butler even indicated that earlier in a story in the Post-Tribune that West Side was her first choice.

But Butler’s mother had the final say on that one. She didn’t want her to attend West Side because of some “negative stuff” she’d heard about the program.

Butler said her mother heard whispers she might have to sit on the bench if she played for the Cougars.

Butler said not choosing West Side was difficult because she wanted to play with Michelle Hamblin, an AAU teammate. Hamblin is a forward for the Cougars.

“I really wanted to play with Michelle,” she said. “But I know my mom wants what is best for me. I decided to take a different road and enroll at Roosevelt.”

As early as last week, Butler was set to enroll at Lew Wallace.

But she woke up and had a change of heart. Part of that change of heart came because her former coach, Michael Protho, is working at the school.

“I really like it when people doubt me,” she said. “Because that makes me want to show them.”

Reporter Mike Hutton can be reached at 648-3139 or by e-mail at mhutton@post-trib.com.