Bowman, Heintz tab WCC schools

Two Greater Spokane League girls basketball stars have made oral commitments to play at a pair of West Coast Conference colleges in 2006-07.

Lewis and Clark senior Heather Bowman committed to Gonzaga University, making her the second high-profile GSL and Washington state player in as many years to choose the Bulldogs.

Central Valley’s Heidi Heintz announced her commitment to the University of San Francisco.

Bowman, a 6-foot-2 post rated among the state’s top 10, forsook a pair of Pacific-10 Conference schools.

“It was just a better fit,” Bowman said of her decision. “They are struggling to keep good and I think Gonzaga is building right now and getting significantly better each year. Overall it just felt right on my visit.”

She follows GU freshman Jami Bjorklund, who completed her career last year at University High.

For Heintz, San Francisco was her only official visit.

“It is a nice fit for me,” said the 5-10 Heintz. “I really enjoy the coaching staff and I got to meet the players and hung out with them.”

The other factor was that USF offers an exercise and sports science major, she said, which fits into her desire to become a coach or physical therapist.