Morgan Cheli, 5-star Archbishop Mitty guard, commits to UConn women's basketball

The 6-foot-2 junior picks the Huskies over more than 40 Division I schools including South Carolina, Stanford and recently crowned 2023 champion Louisiana State University.

Morgan Cheli, a 6-foot-2 junior guard for Archbishop Mitty and 5-star recruit, announced on Twitter Thursday her commitment to play in college for the University of Connecticut. 

The USA National Team member is ranked the No. 18 prospect in the Class of 2024 by HoopGurlz. 

She was one of the state's top breakout players as a sophomore when she averaged team-highs of 14.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 3.3 steals per game on 48-percent shooting (38-percent from three) to lead the Monarchs to a 30-2 record, Central Coast Section championship, and Open Division state finals appearance. 

5 ⭐️ Morgan Cheli, no. 18 in the espnW Super 60, has committed to UCONN! 🐺 pic.twitter.com/0ugLDWQNft

— SportsCenter NEXT (@SCNext) April 6, 2023

Cheli was quickly awarded 5-star status, and amassed upwards of 40 Division I offers before committing to UConn. 

While she missed the majority of her junior season with a lingering foot injury, she displayed substantial improvement from her already-phenomenal sophomore campaign when healthy, and returned for the playoffs to help lead Mitty back to the Open Division state finals.

The Monarchs would fall 69-67 to Etiwanda in an instant classic, but not for lack of effort by Cheli, who was brilliant with 24 points, six rebounds, five assists, and four steals. She fought back what looked to be a severe ankle sprain midway through the fourth quarter and her team up five points. 

She's going to the gold standard of women's college basketball, where coach Geno Auriemma has led the Huskies to 11 national titles. 

Morgan Cheli (33) is a relentless driver to the basket. Photo: Darren Yamashita

"I have been blessed to have so many people in my life that have helped me pursue my basketball dreams," Cheli wrote in her statement. "My amazing family has supported and inspired me along this journey. They have instilled in me the values of hard work, competitiveness and dedication.

"I'm thrilled to announce today that the journey will continue in the basketball capital of the world. I'm committing to play at UCONN and excited to join the amazing legacy that is Husky Basketball."

What makes the future Husky one of the most sought-after high school players in the country? Just about everything. At 6-2 with standout athleticism, a complete array of point guard skills, and the ability to play alongside other lead guards as well, there isn't a box Cheli doesn't check. 

Cheli is a particularly versatile offensive focal point who's rapidly improving as a go-to scorer, and one that very few guards – or frontcourt players – can matchup with. And one could argue that she's the best defensive player in the state, a monster in the passing lanes who can bring the clamps any position at the high school level and projects to be a defensive stopper at future levels guarding one through three. If Cheli stays healthy and continues to improve, she has a strong chance to earn a spot at the McDonald's All-American Games and contend for statewide or national player of the year honors.