Brea’s Erickson Chooses Purdue

Nicole Erickson, a senior guard at Brea-Olinda, said Sunday she has orally committed to attend Purdue on an athletic scholarship next fall.

Erickson, The Times Orange County player of the year last season, averaged 22 points, 5.5 rebounds and 7.3 assists in helping Brea-Olinda win a State title. She also visited Iowa, Colorado and UCLA.

“I’m very excited,” she said. “I liked everything about (Purdue). I just felt really comfortable there.”

Erickson made one of the most dramatic shots in Brea history last season, when she hit a 12-footer with 3 1/2 seconds left to give the Lady Wildcats a 42-41 victory over Fair Oaks Bella Vista in the State title game.

Brea-Olinda has won three consecutive State titles going into this season.