Advocate staff report

Bishop Sullivan basketball player Whitney Dunlap didn't want the drama of recruiting overshadowing her senior season.

Dunlap, a 5-foot-7 guard ended any speculation by committing to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette recently.

"I really liked the coach and the team," Dunlap said. "I just thought it was the best place for me."

Dunlap, who led Sullivan to the Class 4A quarterfinals last spring, said she also considered Southeastern Louisiana University and Middle Tennessee.

As a junior, Dunlap averaged 21.1 points and 4.5 assists per game. She made the All-District 6-4A team and was part of The Advocate's All-Metro team.

Dunlap plans to sign with the Cajuns during the November signing period. Dunlap said she has already met the NCAA's academic qualifying standards.

Dunlap is considering a major in sports management. Making an early college choice gives Dunlap time for another option -- focusing on her senior season. Sullivan figures to be one of the area's top 4A teams again.

"I'm glad it (recruiting process) is over," Dunlap said. "Now I can concentrate on my senior year. That's important to me."

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