“This is an amazing recruiting class for our program,” said Weisenberg, who enters his second season at the helm for the Waves. “These six student-athletes are going to come in and compete for starting spots, and will strengthen an already young group. The future is bright on and off the court with our 2015 recruiting class.”
The highly-touted incoming class, listed below, includes four guards, one center, and one forward:
Erica Ogwumike – 5-9 – G – Cypress Woods HS
You might recognize Erica Ogwumike's famous surname, as she comes from the same family that has sent older sisters Chiney and Nneka into the WNBA. Erica brings her own set of accolades to Pepperdine as the 22nd-ranked guard in the 2015 recruiting class and the 10th ranked player in the state of Texas according to ESPN. A two-sport athlete, Erica excelled at both basketball and volleyball at Cypress Woods HS. As a junior she averaged 18.6 points per game, 9.9 rebounds, and 3.3 steals in helping lead her team to a 5-A Region final last year.
“Erica is the type of player who can impact the game on both ends of the floor," said assistant coach Trisha Raniewicz. "She is a tenacious defender who can both rebound and finish on the offensive end. Erica's many intangibles off the floor will be evident immediately as she arrives on campus.”
Yasmine Robinson-Bacote – 5-11 – F – Hillside HS
Yasmine Robinson-Bacote is the second of the Waves’ East Coast recruits, hailing from Hillside, N.J. As a long, scoring machine, Robinson-Bacote eclipsed the 1,000-point mark as a junior, on her way to being ranked the sixth-best scorer in New Jersey. She also excelled in the classroom, earning Honor Roll recognition and graduating in the top 15 percent of her class.
“Yasmine reminds me of former Laker James Worthy with her athletic ability and explosiveness," said Weisenberg. "She is capable of playing all five positions and doing it with ease.”
Sydney Bordanaro – 5-7 – G – Burrell HS
Hailing from Lower Burrell, Pa., Sydney Bordanaro is one of two East Coast products coming to Malibu next season. Bordanaro was the Valley News Dispatch Player of the Year in 2013 and 2014, averaging 16.5 points per game as a junior. Bordanaro broke the Burrell school record with 1,148 points in just three years and maintained a 3.6 GPA, earning National Honor Society and Academic Achievement Award recognition.
“Sydney is a floor general at the point guard spot and she has an enthusiasm and passion for the game that is contagious to everyone around her," said Raniewcz. "She is one of the best players in the Pittsburgh area and the coaching staff is extremely excited to have her leadership and work ethic here in Malibu next year.”
Kayla Blair – 5-9 – G – Vanden HS
Kayla Blair is a 5-9 guard out of Vanden High School in Fairfield, Calif. Blair is one of two highly-touted California prospects in the Waves’ incoming class as she was recently ranked the 19th-best prospect in the state by All-Star Girls Report. Blair has earned both All-State and All-NorCal honors during her prep career, and was named both league MVP and Fairfield City Player of the Year last season when she led her team with 15 points per game.
“Kayla is going to bring a competitor’s mentality to a program that thrives on competing," said Weisenberg. "She will make you laugh off the court and dominate you on the court. Kayla is going to be a powerful Wave on and off the court.”
Megan House – 6-4 – C – JSerra Catholic HS
The second of the Waves’ two Golden State products, Megan House hails from San Juan Capistrano, Calif., playing her prep ball at JSerra Catholic HS. House was ranked the 24th best prospect in the state by All-Star Girls Report and has earned both All-CIF and All-Trinity League first team honors. House averaged 8.9 points, 13.9 rebounds and 2.8 blocks last season.
“Megan is a long post player that has potential through the roof," said assistant coach Jordan Adams-Smith. "She can run the floor very well and has extremely soft hands. She is a great student and you can tell she is extremely coachable. She has the capability of be a great player for Pepperdine.”
Keyari Sleezer – 5-8 – G – South Medford HS
Keyari Sleezer is a 5-8 guard out of South Medford High School in Medford, Ore. Sleezer led her team to a 6A State Championship in 2012, and runner-up finishes in 2013 and 2014. She was the MVP of the state title game in 2014, and is a two-time league MVP and All-League first team selection.
“Keyari is a gym rat that always wants to improve and make her team better," said Weisenberg. "We are lucky to get her as a combo guard that has a knock-down shot and a scorer’s mentality. What is most impressive is her length on the defensive end. She is going to be a nightmare for opposing offenses.”
By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com and news services
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