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basketball Edit

Anudokem to the OC

Ugochi Anudokem took up basketball during her sophomore year at Homestead High because it was suggested that she do so. She had no expectations, "none at all, I was doing it, really, just for fun." Now after averaging 14.2 points, 12.5 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 2.2 blocks per game as a senior, her college expenses will be covered.

Heading in mid-August to Concordia University Irvine (CUI), the 6-foot-1 Anudokem made the call after recently visiting the school. "I liked that it was a full ride, the area was nice, I have good communication with my coach (Lacey Burns, hired in April 2016) and the school offers biology as a major." She sports a 3.4 grade point average.

On her recruiting visit, Anudokem met with the Eagle coaching staff for breakfast, toured the school, visited the dorms and the gymnasium, talked with the CUI AD and Director of Admissions, had lunch in the school cafeteria, watched open gym and had dinner before flying back home.

CUI is a member of the DII PacWest Conference meaning an annual trip to Hawaii since Hawaii-Pacific, Chaminade, BYU-Hawaii and Hawaii Hilo are also members. Plus, games against Academy of Art, Holy Names, Notre Dame de Namur and Dominican University will provide the opportunities for family and friends to see her play.

Asked what she will bring to her new Eagle team, she answered, "I want to help bring up women's basketball at Concordia and help them do much better than previous years. When I was talking with the AD and Coach Lacey, they wanted to bring more attention and respect to women's basketball at the school, which I also agree with. I want to bring intensity and be aggressive at all times while being a big part of the team like I was on my high school team with rebounding and scoring."

Her playing with the West Valley Basketball Club provided the needed exposure outside of Silicon Valley. Also worth noting is Anudokem's monster game of 35 rebounds (17 offensive, 18 defensive) and 24 points in a Homestead High 56-42 victory over Cupertino.

She offered thanks to "my Mom and family, my West Valley coaches and teammates and earlier coaches Pauline Regala and Jessica Kellogg."

Anudokem will be positioned at the five spot.

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