Schuyler’s Nalleli Ajualip signs with Central Community College women’s basketball

Schuyler graduate Nalleli Ajualip’s hard work paid off in a big way.

After emerging as one of the top scorers on the Warriors girls basketball team, Ajualip signed with Central Community College to continue her hoops career at the next level.

“I’m really excited about it. I’ve always had that dream of playing college basketball and I went over there and I took a tour of the school and I really liked it and I saw the opportunities I can get there,” Ajualip said. “I talked to their coach and I sent her some of my videos and she liked the way I played and the scholarship she gave me. The school is closer to home, so it’ll be an easy drive over there and back home.”

Ajualip developed her perimeter shooting, especially from behind the 3-point line. The Warriors guard knocked down 11 triples last season to rank second on the team.

“It takes a lot of work, working over the summer, doing weights. It’s a lot of work, but my confidence was there. Freshman year I was kind of shy about it. I wouldn’t like to shoot,” Ajualip said. “I would get scared and I would pass it, but over time coaches kept telling me you’re a great shooter, shoot it. I got the confidence from the coaches and like they say, shooters shoot so that’s what I did best.”

Ajualip said the possibility of playing in college came in the summer leading into her senior year when head coach Jason Wehner said she could develop into a quality player if she put in enough practice time.

“Nalleli (Ajualip) is one who came a long way. When I took over the job, nobody really mentioned Nalleli,” Wehner said. “I didn’t really know who Nalleli was and then in a couple open gyms, I saw her dribbling between her legs and I was like who’s this? She has a long ways to grow still. She’s pretty untapped. When she hopefully gets in the weight room and puts a little bit more work in, I think the sky is the limit for her.”

Wehner said he believes Ajualip gained her confidence during the offseason, shooting the ball at the YMCA and at the Columbus Fieldhouse.

“I don’t think she’s (Ajualip) scared of any of those shots because she has shot a lot of those,” Wehner said. “Coming from somebody who I didn’t even know was going to be playing basketball to somebody who started for us. She did a good job. There’s a lot of growth there.”

Ajualip helped change the culture of Schuyler girls basketball. As a junior, she contributed to the Warriors win five games, their most wins in a single season in a decade.

They also won their first Central Conference Tournament game in six years defeating Lexington in the first round.

Last season, Schuyler won three games as it posted back-to-back seasons of at least two wins since 2017-19.

“Not just myself, but the way the team gotten better thanks to coach Wehner, the way we’ve all worked together,” Ajualip said. “I’m proud I was able to raise the Schuyler name more now for college. We have really good players. We’re just a small town. We don’t get noticed much, but there’s definitely a lot of good players in Schuyler.”

Ajualip said she’s fulfilling a goal of hers of playing college basketball. The journey began as a young kid.

“It’s been a crazy journey. There were some rough times, but just getting through it and just being positive about it. It’s always been my dream,” Ajualip said. “Basketball is the No. 1 thing that’s kept me focused on school. It’s always been thing of mine since I was little. I’ve been playing since second grade, so being able to play college basketball means a lot to me.”