’23 Top 150: Oluchi Takeover
#1 Oluchi Okananwa Oluchi Okananwa 5'10" | CG Worcester Academy | 2023 State New E – Lady Rivals/Worcester Academy – 5’10’’ – SG A 28-point masterpiece against Team Takeover is where Okananwa’s case for the best player in…
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Oluchi Okananwa Oluchi Okananwa 5'10" | CG Worcester Academy | 2023 State New E – Lady Rivals/Worcester Academy – 5’10’’ – SG
A 28-point masterpiece against Team Takeover is where Okananwa’s case for the best player in the ’23 class begins and ends. What a performance to kick off the summer by the Lady Rivals shooting guard who left a packed audience breathless with pickpocket steals, majestic one-woman fastbreaks, and aggressive offensive rebounds and putbacks. From that game on, I can make a case that no one had a more impressive summer in New England regardless of class than Okananwa. Being named to the 3SSB All-Tournament Team was the cherry on top of her summer.
She is the best defender in her class, the best rebounder at her position, and although her outside shooting may be a weakness of hers when the money is on the table, you can bet your house that Okananawa will knock down the biggest shot of the game. Everyone took notice of Okananwa’s brilliance on the court, including the division 1 coaching community. Mid-July, George Mason University gave her an offer. Followed by Colgate, Columbia, Loyola, William & Mary, most recently Temple University, and the list will continue to grow as the fall continues.
I couldn’t watch Okananwa in person until this past weekend at the Select Events New England Fall Showcase, and she looks stronger and faster. Her assertiveness and confidence on offense are something I didn’t see back in the spring. Okananwa carries herself like the best player. When the team needs a bucket, she demands the ball and creates a play for herself or her teammates. If not the shot-creator, she will crash the glass relentlessly, and she makes sure the Rivals get a second chance opportunity. Okananwa does it all and has developed into an unstoppable force on the wing. I am so impressed by Okananwa and the player she has turned into; I believe she should be nationally ranked. I look at her size, athleticism, defense, rebounding, and slashing ability, making her one of the most unique prospects I have seen.