Victory Christian’s Ruth Udoumoh Signs with OSU
By MIKE MOGUIN
GTR Sports Writer
RUTH UDOUMOH
One visit to Oklahoma State and Ruth Udoumoh knew that’s where she needed to be to play college basketball.
The team chemistry stood out to the 6-foot Victory Christian senior guard. She signed with the Cowgirls in November.
“They’re really like a family and it’s close to home,” Udoumoh said. “And it’s a really good basketball program. I enjoyed the visit out there. I felt like it was the right place for me.
Udoumoh chose OSU over Oral Roberts. Other schools had also sought her out, she said, but they didn’t offer.
Udoumoh has gotten to know the coaches and players in Stillwater as well.
“They’re really fun and nice,” Udoumoh said. “They want the best for you and they care about you as a person too and not just as a player.”
The excitement of winning and making plays is what draws this Lady Conqueror to the game. Playing together with unity with heart out on the court, she said, makes the game fun.
Udoumoh’s favorite NBA team is the Los Angeles Lakers and she is a fan of Lebron James.
“He’s a good player,” she said.
For now, Udoumoh is hoping to help Victory win a state championship. She has already tasted a state title three times as a member of the volleyball team.
“Winning it (in 2017) was the first time in history here,” she said. “It was a great experience for me and my team.”
Having played volleyball benefits Udoumoh with her basketball skills, as well as vice versa.
“I think volleyball helps me more in my jumping. It helps me be more explosive on the basketball court,” she said. “Basketball helps with how I hit in volleyball because you are being aggressive on the court. Getting rebounds in basketball also helps by strengthening you to hit the ball in volleyball.”
As of Jan. 30, Victory was 13-3 overall and ranked No. 5 in the Class 4A girls poll.
In a 46-27 win over Cascia Hall on Jan. 21, she was pleased with her performance but did indicate the team still needs to improve in some areas.
“We were sharing the ball a lot (in the game against Cascia Hall). In the beginning we had a few turnovers, which we are working on to get better at. But, we still have a lot of work to do,” Udoumoh said. However, she can see her team win a state championship.
“We have a lot of growing to do these next few weeks. We have ‘til the playoffs. Our goal is to make it to the state tournament and hopefully win a state title,” Udoumoh said.
