Akigbogun artist in the paint

Regis Jesuit senior’s inside game clearly a stroke of genius

Since getting sanctioned in the mid1970s, Colorado high school girls basketball hasn’t exactly been inundated by waves of acclaimed inside players. In Colorado, the girls game has mostly been played on the perimeter.

But the past two seasons have been dominated by Class 5A power Regis Jesuit of Aurora, in large part because of Diani Akigbogun’s play down low. A mobile 6-foot-1, 180-pound senior, she has been chosen Ms. Colorado Basketball by The Denver Post for the second consecutive season. With a stellar finishing season, she made a strong argument for being one of the state’s best-ever inside players.

Her scoring, rebounding and defense were consistent all season, making her the most vital cog among big-school teams. She averaged 14.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and three assists this past season. Don’t be fooled by those statistics. The Raiders went undefeated against in-state competition, winning every game by 21 or more points. That meant Akigbogun sat out large portions of many games because of the lopsided score.

While good for a blocked shot per game, she discouraged and altered many more.

The Raiders finished 26-2 andwere rankedNo. 3 nationally byUSA Today and MaxPreps. Itwas the highest season-ending ranking for any Colorado girls team ever.

“She gave us so much,” coach Carl Mattei said. “Diani was the dominant force. When you control the paint, you can win.”

She has signed a letter of intent to play college basketball at Texas.

Quick to give credit to her teammates, including five other Division I signees, Akigbogun said shewasmost pleased the Raiders got along sowellwhile making their case for being the greatest collection of girls basketball talent in state history.

None better than her.

She gave us somuch. Dianiwas the dominant force. When you control the paint, you can win.” Regis Jesuit girls coach Carl Mattei, on Diani Akigbogun