Pahukoa sisters officially commit to Boise State

LAKE STEVENS — Some might think twin sisters Brittney and Brooke Pahukoa would be used to the spotlight, playing basketball for Lake Stevens High School in front of hundreds of people.

But under a different spotlight, with friends and family members watching them each sign a national letter of intent, the two got a little nervous.

“You should see my signature, it’s like, all squiggled,” Brittney said, after the signing ceremony in the high school library. “My mom was like, ‘The speech is over, you’re okay.’ I couldn’t even write.”

“I was trying to tell my hand not to shake, because my hand was shaking,” Brooke added. “Not that I was nervous for signing, just after talking. My signature’s a little sloppy.”

The twins officially committed Wednesday afternoon to play basketball at Boise State University once their high school careers are complete. On hand while each signed their letter of intent were several teachers, coaches, teammates, friends and family members, including parents Jeff and Debby Pahukoa.

“I’m very proud. I’m very proud of what they’ve accomplished,” Jeff Pahukoa said. “I’m looking forward to what they have to achieve. I think Boise’s a great fit for them.”

In a press release issued by the Boise State athletic department, Broncos head coach Gordy Presnell said he was thrilled to have the two Vikings on his team next year.

“The Pahukoa twins are great players and terrific students, but they are even better people,” Presnell said. “There is no question that we want them representing our program.”

It was an-all day celebration for the twins, who were up early to fax official letters to Boise State.

“This morning we got up before school. Parents took pictures then, too, of course,” Brooke said. “At seven o’clock in the morning. And then we faxed” the letters to Boise State.

Then, Brooke went to her first class and found a surprise waiting for her.

“My first period class all dressed up in orange and blue. Every single kid was in orange and blue,” Brooke said. “It was crazy. Everywhere I went there were people telling me, ‘Congrats.’ I had teachers I’ve never had before come up to me and tell me congratulations. … I got to see how close this school and community is. It was a lot of fun.”

Vikings’ head coach Randy Edens said it was fun to celebrate the Pahukoas, who are diligent workers at Lake Stevens High School and are usually the ones helping organize parties like the one held on Wednesday.

“For what these two have done, not only (for) our program but for our campus here, and what they mean to a lot of different people that have gone through our program, everyone being here is really a testament to them and who they are as people,” Edens said.

“They’re such remarkable young ladies that it’s finally nice to turn the tables on them because they would be doing it for somebody else.”

Last summer the sisters toured several universities. Between the two of them, they had about 15 offers, Debby Pahukoa said. The sisters decided they wanted to play together, and soon after decided they wanted to play together at Boise State.

Edens said that his job was to make sure that “fit-wise, it makes sense for them,” and he believes Boise State is a good fit. Aside from having great facilities, the pahukoa sisters will be able to make an immediate contribution, which Edens believes was an important aspect of Brooke and Brittney’s decision.

“They wouldn’t want to sit at a huge program for a couple years and bide their time,” Edens said. “They’re more of, we want to do something right now and do something to make a positive impact.”

The twins celebrated their commitment with a ceremony, which included a surprise visit from their brother, Brady Pahukoa, who played football for Lake Stevens and had a similar ceremony last year when he committed to Central Washington.

Brooke and Brittney helped put on that ceremony for their brother.

“I’m not really used to this. I just feel blessed,” Brooke said. “I’m overwhelmed with how much support came out here.”

Brittney was surprised by just how many papers she had to sign.

“There were four different papers to sign and I thought there was one,” Brittney said, noting that her father kept sliding more papers over to her to sign. “I’m thinking, ‘What? How many am I signing?’”

Jeff Pahukoa, who played football at Marysville Pilchuck High School and the University of Washington before playing for the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams and Atlanta Falcons, said his wardrobe has expanded since his children started committing to universities.

“I have become a big Boise fan,” said Jeff, who was wearing a white “Boise State basketball” shirt. “I still bleed purple and gold, but my son’s at Central so I wear red — I can’t say crimson — red and black. I’ve got lots of Boise stuff.”

Brooke, last year’s Herald Player of the Year, is a three-time member of the all-state team, making the first-team last year as a junior. Last season she averaged 15 points, five rebounds, three steals, two assists and a block per game.

“Brooke is one of the best high school athletes in the country,” Presnell said. “She has a great pull-up jumper. She has had an exceptional high school career.”

Brittany, a point guard, impressed Presnell with her court awareness. Last season she averaged eight points, five assists, five steals and four rebounds while starting all 24 games for the Vikings.

“Brittany is an intelligent point guard that shoots the 3 (point shot) well,” Presnell said. “She is an outstanding athlete who has had a very successful high school career. We are looking forward to having her in our program.”

But before they join Presnell’s program, they still have one more year left at Lake Stevens, and they each know what they want to accomplish during it.

“I’d really like to win a state title before I graduate, so that’s my plan,” Brittney said. “We’ll see how that goes.”

“We better get a district title,” Brooke said. “I mean, I want to win games. I want to have fun. If we win all the games but lose that one and end up going to state then it is what it is. But it’d be nice to get that fourth one for sure.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.