Wheeling's Cannon commits to Minnesota

Janelle Cannon, who helped lead Wheeling's girls basketball team to third place in the Class AA state finals this past March, won't have to spend her senior year of high school worrying about where she will play in college.

She took care of that decision this past weekend in Minneapolis, Minn.

Making a visit to the University of Minnesota, Cannon liked the school so much that she made her verbal commitment to the Gophers' coaching staff.

Minnesota won 20 games this winter and finished in the top half of the Big Ten standings.

"They were in the NCAA tournament last year where they beat Notre Dame and then lost to Texas A&M," Cannon said. "It should be very exciting. The campus is amazing. I knew it was where I wanted to be for my college career.

"They told me I can contribute right away. If I work hard enough I can be a consistent part of the lineup."

Cannon was a key part of the Wildcats' lineup last season as they went 33-2. She averaged 15.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and was the team leader in steals (3.9 per game) and assists (4.2 per game).

Cannon was a repeat all-conference and all-area selection and on the third team for all-state.

She becomes the third Wildcat to choose the Big Ten in the past three seasons.

Lana Rukavina is a sophomore at Illinois while Ashley Wilson will be a freshman at Purdue.

Cannon has 952 career points.

"Janelle felt Minnesota was a great fit," said Wheeling coach Shelly Wiegel. "She really liked the coaching staff (head coach is Pam Borton) and the campus."

Wiegel said the fact that Minnesota is in the Big Ten and much of its schedule is played in the Midwest was also a big factor in Cannon's decision.

"She is excited to match up against her former teammates (Wilson and Rukavina)," Wiegel added. "And she was also pleased that she would be close enough to home that her mom could attend a lot of her games along with other friends and family who have been so supportive of her.

"I am very happy for Janelle and very proud of her. She has had such an impact on our program, and it is exciting to think about her battling in the Big Ten after graduation. What an accomplishment."

Cannon also considered offers from Michigan State, Iowa and Marquette.

"Ultimately, Minnesota was the right combination of a competitive program, location, coaching staff, and a feel for where she would fit in the program," Wiegel said.