Cunningham, Williams make oral commitments

Two club basketball teammates have made oral commitments.

Mariah Cunningham of Central Valley, a senior-to-be and three-year starter, is staying close to home and heading to Eastern Washington University.

Sydney Williams, a senior-to-be at Coeur d’Alene, is headed to the University of San Diego, where the average daily temperature is 75.

The two play for the Spokane Stars Elite team. They’re relieved to have their decisions completed before school starts.

When Cunningham met with EWU head coach Wendy Schueller and her assistants, she immediately knew Cheney was the place for her.

“It was a perfect match for me,” the 6-foot-1 forward said. “I like that it’s close to home. The coaches and the players have been really welcoming already. It’s a good fit, because I feel like I’m already on the team.”

Cunningham averaged 13.8 points per game last year.

“I’ve improved a lot since last summer,” Cunningham said.

She noted she’s expanded her moves inside and made strides in her free-throw shooting.

“I’m excited to see how much more I can improve before I go to college,” Cunningham said.

Williams, a 6-2 forward, chose between San Diego and Portland.

“Everything I wanted was there,” Williams said. “They have a good prehealth program and I want to get into the medical field. I connected well with the girls. You know it in your gut and that’s how I felt.”

Williams will join former CdA standout and teammate Carli Rosenthal in the West Coast Conference. Rosenthal will be a junior at Saint Mary’s.