W. basketball: Pedersen, Pluimer ready to sign letters of intent

As she awaits Charde Houston’s decision, UCLA
women’s basketball coach Kathy Olivier can take solace in one
thing.

Regardless of whether Houston, perhaps the nation’s top
prep forward, commits to the Bruins or not, UCLA will have its
third straight top-20 recruiting class according to most
analysts.

Local products Lindsay Pluimer and Lauren Pedersen orally
committed to UCLA in August and are expected to sign their letters
of intent as soon as today. Pluimer in particular is excited to
play alongside future teammates freshman Noelle Quinn and sophomore
Nikki Blue.

“They’re building the program up and turning it into
something special,” Pluimer said. “I’m really
excited to get to play with them.”

A 6-foot-2 forward from San Clemente High School, Pluimer
averaged 22 points, 10 rebounds and four blocked shots per game as
a junior and was rated the No. 30 recruit in the nation according
to Blue Star. She’s an inside-outside player, who should fit
in well with the Bruins’ up-tempo system.

Pedersen, a 5-9 guard from Brea Olinda High School, is one of
the premier shooters in Southern California. Blue Star’s No.
55 prospect, Pedersen once sank seven three-pointers in a single
game, and could be the Bruins best shooter when she takes the floor
next fall.

Pedersen and Pluimer are club teammates, and have already played
with one another for several years.

“Lauren and I get along really well,” Pluimer said.
“She’s a great player. We’ve learned a lot about
each other from playing on the same team.”

Pluimer is hopeful that she will also get to play with Houston,
who has narrowed her choices down to UCLA, Connecticut and
Texas.

The 6-2 power forward has scheduled a 2:30 p.m. press conference
today at San Diego High School to announce her decision.

“After the UConn players saw her play, they told (coach
Geno Auriemma), “˜we’ve got to get her,'”
All-Star Girls Report’s Brett McCormick said.
“She’s so strong. When she takes it to the hole,
she’s unstoppable.”

If Houston does not sign with the Bruins, they will likely save
the scholarship for the late-signing period in April or even next
year.

The early signing period runs from today through Nov. 19.
Look for more recruiting updates throughout the week.