Oak Harbor High School basketball player Heidi McNeill signed a national letter of intent Wednesday, cementing her choice to play for the University of Washington.

McNeill, a 6-foot-3 post player, averaged 18 points and 9.5 rebounds last season as a junior en route to becoming Oak Harbor’s career points leader.

“Heidi has a champion’s mentality, both in the classroom and on the court,” Washington coach June Daugherty said in a press release. “She is a dedicated worker who brings a great deal of experience and team play. Washington’s ability to sign a power forward of Heidi’s size and high skill level is the exact fit for our recruiting needs.”

McNeill chose the UW over Vanderbilt, Kansas State, Boston College, Santa Clara and Gonzaga. She is a first-team All-Wesco North selection.

Locals sign with Eastern, SPU: Sydney Benson of Snohomish High and Tara Holgate of Snohomish County Christian each signed a national letter of intent Wednesday to play basketball at Eastern Washington University.

Benson averaged seven points and seven rebounds and blocked 120 shots last season. “We are thrilled with the addition of Sydney to the Eagle family,” Eastern Washington coach Wendy Schuller said in a press release. “She is an unbelievable athlete and has only been playing basketball for four years, so we think her future is bright.”

Holgate averaged 15 points, 11 rebounds and nine blocks last season, tallying five triple-doubles and 11 double-doubles. “Tara will give us the type of player we have yet to have in my tenure at Eastern, a (6-foot-4) post player,” Schuller said.

“Tara runs the floor like a forward, has great hands, and loves the game,” Schuller continued. “Her future is limitless, and because of her love of the game I know she’ll work hard to become a great player.”

Ashley Fenimore of Meadowdale signed a national letter of intent to play women’s basketball for Seattle Pacific University. Fenimore, a 5-foot-7 guard averaged 7.9 points and 6.8 assists as a junior.