Finley Cunningham, Clarendon basketball, Sr.
On the court: Cunningham put together a huge weekend helping lead the Lady Broncos to a 5-0 record at the White Deer Tournament. Cunningham averaged 11 points a game in wins over Follett, Happy, White Deer, McLean and Sunray with her highest point total of 20 points coming against McLean in a 71-34 blowout where she also knocked down six 3-pointers in the victory. For the tournament, the sharp-shooting Cunningham tallied a total of 11 3-point field goals and scored in double digits in three of those games. Cunningham is a big reason why Clarendon is off to a 14-3 start to the season.
Coach Korey Conkin: “Finley has really come on this season. I challenged her at the beginning of the year and told her I wanted to see her become more versatile. She’s always shot it well but during the last couple of tournaments she’s really done a great job of driving to the paint or pulling up on a jumper. I think that’s made her a more well-rounded player and now defenses have to respect her more than just as a shooter. I think her leadership role has come a long way from last year. She’s more vocal and she leads the offense more than anything and she’s become our go-to.”
Cunningham: “I feel I’m more of a complete player this year. I have worked hard at becoming a more versatile player and not just stay out on the 3-point line. Last year I just shot 3-pointers and now I’m driving in more, working on my jumper and getting to the free-throw line. My defense has also improved from last year. Compared to last year we’ve really grown as a team. We’ve created strong bonds with each other and have really good chemistry. We’re very young with only three seniors but we’re getting better every day.”
About Cunningham
Favorite band or musician: Meek Mills Dreams and Nightmares
Favorite social media platform: Instagram
Favorite athlete: Page Beckers
Bet you didn’t know: She shoots right-handed and writes left-handed
Parents: Alton Gaines, and Chad and Chrisy Hommel