Cedar Rapids Washington senior Dani Franklin is the winner of the Metro Spotlight Award this week for high school girls, the Metro Sports Report announced Sunday.

Franklin, a 6-foot-1 forward, is one of the top basketball players in the state and ranks third in Class 5A in scoring this season at 23.8 points per game.

Franklin collected 37 points and 11 rebounds against Dubuque Senior, then had 33 points and 10 rebounds against Dubuque Hempstead in the next  game. She scored 27 points against Iowa City West Friday as the Warriors (4-1) won their fourth straight game.

Franklin has signed a national letter-of-intent to play NCAA Division I basketball at Valparaiso University next season.

Here is our Question-&-Answer session with Dani Franklin:

MSR: What is your favorite individual highlight in sports?

DANI: My favorite individual highlight would be my junior year when we played Prairie on their home court and I hit a buzzer-beater to win the game.

MSR: What is your favorite team highlight in sports?

DANI: My junior year in the regional finals we played Waukee and it was an extremely intense game. We had lost earlier in the season to Waukee and we did not want this game to end our season. My favorite team highlight in sports would have to be winning this game and going to the state  tournament.

MSR: What are your future goals in sports?

DANI: Coach (Frank) Howell has a plan for this basketball season and each practice I see us growing together as a team. Our team goal is to go to state again. Last year's experience at the state tournament was great and it leaves you wanting to go back. Going back is not enough, it would be amazing to get a state championship.

My long-term career goal is to go to the NCAA tournament with Valparaiso University.

MSR: Who has had the biggest influence on your sports career?

DANI: My sports career started in second grade, playing at the YMCA and my mother was my first coach. I would have to say my mom is one of the  biggest influences because she has been my coach, my mentor, and has placed me in the best environment for athletics. In third grade I met Coach Howell and he has had a huge impact on me not only as a basketball player but as a person. Coach Howell is an amazing coach and teacher.

MSR: What are your favorite classes in school?

DANI: My favorite classes in school would have to be math and student senate. I love student senate because it gets you more involved with your school and community.

MSR: What has been your favorite community service project?

DANI: Our Washington High School basketball team visits a local nursing home a couple times a year. This would have to be my favorite community service project because it puts smiles on their faces.