Every time Victoria Lux narrowed her list of potential colleges, Bentley University was near the top.

Wednesday afternoon, the McAuley High junior put the Falcons at the top. Lux, a two-time Maine Sunday Telegram all-state basketball selection, verbally committed to Bentley, which won the NCAA Division II women’s national championship this year.

Lux had narrowed her choices to Bentley, located in Waltham, Mass., and two Division I schools, Fairfield and Marist. But Bentley’s proximity to home and its winning tradition swayed Lux.

“This really means everything to me,’’ she said on the ride back from Bentley where she told Coach Barbara Stevens of her decision. “I wanted my family to be able to come watch me play and they will be able to.

“I feel it’s going to be a good transition from high school. McAuley has a great basketball program and is very strong academically. Bentley reminds me of McAuley in a lot of ways.’’

Lux, 17, has helped the Lions win the last three of their four consecutive Class A state championships. This year she averaged 13.2 points and an SMAA-high 9.2 rebounds per game. At 6-foot-1, she has the ability to play inside, but is also quick enough to get out on the fast break.

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“Every year she has gotten better mentally and physically for us,’’ said McAuley Coach Bill Goodman. “She has been a big part of our championships the last three years. When the going got tough, she really produced for us. As a coach it’s nice to see a kid grow up.’’

Bentley is not unfamiliar to Lux, who said she was receiving a full scholarship. Her older sister, Vanessa, also played for the Falcons from 2004-08 after attending McAuley.

“That’s another reason I felt very comfortable with my decision,’’ said Victoria Lux. “My sister has been on me since Day One to go there. I feel like it’s always been part of my family.’’

Bentley has been on a strong four-year run. In addition to this year’s national championship, the Falcons advanced to the national semifinals in 2012 and the final eight in 2011.

“She’s going to a very competitive program,’’ said Goodman. “She’s going to be challenged in the classroom and on the court. And that’s what she wanted.’’

Lux is relieved to have made her decision so she can concentrate on her senior season at McAuley.

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“This was an early decision, but it’s the right one,” she said. “It’s where I always wanted to go.’’

Mike Lowe can be reached at 791-6422 or at:

mlowe@pressherald.com

Twitter: MikeLowePPH

 


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