Franklin commits to Valparaiso

CEDAR RAPIDS -- A Division-I basketball career is on the Horizon for Dani Franklin.A senior-to-be at Cedar Rapids Washington, Franklin has made an oral commitment to play at Valparaiso University.Franklin earned Class 5A first-team all-state honors as a junior, averaging 17.0 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. The 6-foot-1 forward led the Warriors (17-7) to the 2013 state tournament."That's awesome," said Washington Coach Frank Howell. "Valpo's a great school, and obviously, (Indiana) is a great basketball state. Dani fits the mold of a lot of kids in that area -- a great work ethic, a gym rat."It will be a great situation for her."Franklin was not available for comment Thursday.Valparaiso is a member of the Horizon League. The Crusaders were 11-20 last season and are coached by Tracey Dorow, who led Ferris State to four NCAA Division II Tournament appearances.