A Look at Michaela Onyenwere's Four Magnificent Years in Colorado Girls Basketball

It can be argued that Michaela Onyenwere didn't morph into a Division-I basketball player during her high school career. She might have already been one before she stepped on the floor for her freshman season at Grandview (Aurora).

"When she started practicing with us the summer before her freshman year, you could see where she was compared to the seniors and the rest of the varsity team," Wolves coach Josh Ulitzky said. "I thought then that she had the tools to be that kind of kid. Then when we got rolling into the season, it kind of solidified it."

What has followed is one of the most storied girls basketball careers on the Colorado hardwood, as the UCLA-bound forward has steadily climbed the state ladder in several key categories. She recently became the ninth player in state history – and second ever big-school player – to crack the 2,000-point plateau.

She entered the week with 2,110, which sits fifth all-time and trails only former ThunderRidge (Highlands Ranch) star Abby Waner (2,670) on the big-school circuit. (Of note, Loveland guard Tatum Rembao has an outside chance to reach 2,000 this season and become the third big-school player.)

In addition, Onyenwere is a mere seven rebounds shy of becoming the 10th Colorado player – and second big-school player – to corral 1,000 rebounds. That feat is likely to happen Wednesday night against Cherry Creek (Greenwood Village) as the Wolves (20-1, 12-0) aim to lock down a Centennial League title and continue their push for their first-ever championship.

And make no mistake: Despite all the accolades and the high-level college commitment, Onyenwere wants that title. To some, it'd simply be a cherry on the top of a stellar high school career. To Onyenwere, whose team is ranked No. 9 nationally in MaxPreps' XCellent 25, it's an unquestioned priority.

"It'd definitely be a big void," said Onyenwere, whose Wolves lost in the semifinals last season. "That's one thing every athlete wants is a championship, and we definitely have the tools in place this season and we're a very close team. But we still have to make it happen."

Her career has been as steady as it has been spectacular. Here is a look at her year-by-year averages:

Freshman (2013-14): 18.6 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.3 steals.

Sophomore (2014-15): 23.7 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.9 steals.

Junior (2015-16): 24.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, 4.0 steals.

Senior (2016-17 – current): 19.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.5 steals.

The slight decrease in numbers this season can be attributed to the notion that she has more help than ever before with players such as Leilah Vigil and Alisha Davis in the fold. And Onyenwere has been incredibly efficient, shooting 58 percent from the field.

"The biggest difference from then to now is the intensity at which she plays, how hard she plays," Ulitzky said, comparing her current presence to that of her freshman season. "By getting the opportunity to play in some of the places she did in the summertime and play against those elite kids, that part of the experience really kicked in the intensity."

For what it's worth, Onyenwere wasn't thinking D-I as quickly as her coach was. She said the possibility became apparent during her sophomore year, when she started receiving letters to participate in high-level college camps. Soon after, the recruiting process began to heat up.

In the end, UCLA was the clear choice.

"All the programs I was considering had great coaches, great academics and great facilities, so it was a level playing field there," Onyenwere said. "But UCLA's assistant coach Jenny (Huth) really connected with me on a personal level, and that was something that I didn't receive anywhere else."

Before she becomes a Bruin, Onyenwere has another month left to add chapters to her legacy. Whether or not Grandview captures that coveted championship, she will be remembered as one of the state's all-time elite.