On the verge of losing the core of its sixth state championship team to graduation, the Ventura College women's basketball team received a commitment over the weekend from a potential cornerstone for its next team.

Six-foot-2 Royal High center Destinee La Fountain, who averaged 13.8 points and 12.5 rebounds as a senior for the 20-9 Highlanders, made a verbal commitment to play for the Pirates over the weekend.

"I really liked the way they played," said La Fountain, who is also being recruited by several other two-year schools. "I've heard a lot about how much I can improve (at Ventura), how much I can learn."

Ventura's six outgoing sophomores represent 84 percent of the scoring and 61 percent of the rebounding from the team that finished 34-1 with a 59-47 win over Fullerton in the state final March 14 at Cal Lutheran.

"She's an important part of who we're going to be next year," said Ventura coach Ned Mircetic. "I think she has the opportunity to truly be a great player.

"With her athleticism, size and speed, she has the ability to play three different positions. I'm really looking forward to coaching her."