Oak Harbor’s McNeill to play hoops for UW women

  • Herald staff
  • Wednesday, November 10, 2004 9:00pm
  • Sports

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.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Glacier Peak’s Reed Nagel makes a layup while being guarded during the 4A boys quarterfinal game against Camas on Thursday, March 6, 2025 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Team effort lifts Glacier Peak boys back to 4A semifinals

Camas misses two layups as time expires in overtime as Grizzlies hang on to win 44-42.

Glacier Peak’s Zachary Albright reaches out for a rebound during the 4A boys quarterfinal game against Camas on Thursday, March 6, 2025 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Albright overcomes football injury, shines for Glacier Peak hoops

The sophomore forward dominates the boards and sinks winning free throws in 44-42 quarterfinal win.

Stanwood's Ellalee Wortham takes the ball down the court during the 3A girls quarterfinal game against Garfield on Thursday, March 6, 2025 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Turnovers thwart Stanwood girls’ state title hopes

The Spartans turned the ball over 22 times in a quarterfinal loss to Garfield.

Glacier Peak senior Jo Lee (2) squares up to defend against Arlington senior Leyton Martin in the Grizzlies' 49-42 win during the Boys 4A State Tournament Round of 12 in Tacoma, Washington on March 5, 2025. Lee scored a game-high 26 points and spearheaded a Grizzlies defensive effort that held Martin (12 points) to half his season scoring average (24 points). (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Glacier Peak boys overcome slow start, top Arlington in Round of 12

Jo Lee scores 26 and the Grizzlies play strong defense to advance to the 4A quarterfinals.

Monroe's Isaiah Kiehl fights through contact for a layup during a March 5, 2025 state playoff game against Mt. Spokane at the Tacoma Dome. (Qasim Ali / The Herald)
Historic Monroe boys season ends in state round of 12

A 48-39 loss to Mt. Spokane marked the end of Monroe’s first state run since 2011.

The Glacier Peak girls basketball team huddles at the end of a timeout during a March 5, 2025 state playoff game at the Tacoma Dome. (Qasim Ali / The Herald)
State basketball prep roundup and schedule

Glacier Peak girls advance to quarterfinals.

From left, Eric, Riddhi, and 8-year-old Ajay Blow on Jan. 17 at Brooklyn Bros. Pizza in Everett, Washington. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
At 20, he’s a Silvertips star. What’s life like off the ice?

Tyler MacKenzie balances life and hockey by hanging out with teammates, going golfing and playing ‘Fortnite’ with an 8-year-old.

Meadowdale senior Audrey Lucas (35) backs against a Bellevue defender in the post during the Mavericks' 69-54 loss in the Girls 3A State Tournament Round of 12 in Tacoma, Washington on March 5, 2025. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Meadowdale girls left wishing for more in playoff loss to Bellevue

The Mavericks fall 69-54 in the Girls 3A Round of 12.

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for Feb. 23-March 1

The Athlete of the Week nominees for Feb. 23-March 1. Voting closes… Continue reading

Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett (16) runs with after a catch against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)
Seahawks releasing WR Tyler Lockett

The wide receiver was the team’s longest tenured player.

The Archbishop Murphy bench reacts to a shot during the game against Meadowdale on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Schedule for this week’s state basketball tournaments

Here are the games that have been scheduled so far for local… Continue reading

Seattle Mariners designated hitter Mitch Garver (18) walks to the dugout after striking out during the second inning against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (Elías Valverde II / Tribune News Services)
Vorel: Can Mariners’ Garver put a awful 2024 in the past?

Baseball can beat you down. Will Mitch Garver bounce… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.