Nov. 23, 2008

FULLERTON, CA - High school basketball standouts Lauren Bushong, Simone Lutu, and Mya Olivier have all signed National Letters of the Intent to continue their playing careers with the Cal State Fullerton women's basketball program.

Bushong, a 6-2 forward/center from Yucca Valley, Lutu, a 5-10 forward from Carson, and Olivier, a 6-1 forward from Laguna Beach, will all be eligible beginning with the 2009-10 season.

"We are exceptionally pleased with our early signees," Associate Head Coach Marcia Foster said. "Our overall goal was to bring size, depth and talent into the post position and we surpassed that mark with the class of 2009. All three players come with a defensive-minded toughness and each have the ability to score. They are winners on the court and gifted students in the classroom. As we continue to strive towards excellence, we have indeed raised the standards with this class.

"The signing of Lauren, Mya and Simone is a significant gain for our program; all three are impact players and will have the opportunity to compete for time immediately."

Bushong has played the past three years at Yucca Valley HS, twice earning All-DeAnza League honors, including MVP laurels as a junior. Last season, Bushong earned All-CIF First-Team honors after averaging a league-leading double-double with 18.1 points and 12.4 rebounds per game while shooting better than 60 percent from the floor and notching a league-best 2.7 blocks per contest (68 total).

"Lauren is a tough lefty with excellent post moves," Foster said. "She's a great passer and a natural leader."

Lutu is entering her senior year at The Windward School in Los Angeles, where she earned second-team all-league honors in both basketball and softball as a junior.

"Simone is a `banger' inside and is a powerful post player," Foster said. "Look for her to be a major force on the boards."

Olivier enters her senior year at Mater Dei HS looking to bounce back after missing her entire junior season due to a leg injury. As a sophomore, Olivier averaged a team-best 12 points and 6.5 rebounds per contest - both of which ranked fourth in the Trinity League. As a freshman she averaged 7.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game to go with 22 blocked shots.

"Mya is agile, tough, and an excellent defender," Foster said. "She will provide us with solid scoring and rebounding inside."

Cal State Fullerton continues its 2008-09 regular season on Friday (Nov. 21) as the Titans play host to Saint Mary's College at 7 p.m.

CAL STATE FULLERTON WOMEN'S BASKETBALL SIGNEES
Name (POS, HT, Hometown/Last School)
Lauren Bushong (F/C, 6-2, Yucca Valley, CA/Yucca Valley HS)
Simone Lutu (F, 5-10, Carson, CA/The Windward School)
Mya Olivier (F, 6-1, Laguna Beach, CA/Mater Dei HS)