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Bears get early commitment from New Orleans prep star 

Just one day after head coach Ben Braun signed a contract extension that ties him to Cal basketball through 2009, the Bears got an early commitment from New Orleans high school star Derek Burditt. 

Burditt, a 6-foot-6 junior forward at Ehret High, cannot sign a letter of intent until November. But after visiting his father in the Bay Area last summer, he liked what he saw at Cal. When Braun signed the extension, Burditt’s decision was clinched. 

“It has been crazy, but the pressure has been taken away,” Burditt told the New Orleans Times-Picayune. “I don’t have to worry about what school I’m going to now.” 

Burditt was the New Orleans Times-Picayune All-Metro Large Schools Player of the Year and is rated by Bob Gibbons of All-Star Sports recruiting service as a top-30 player in next year’s prep senior class. He averaged 17.6 points this season, leading Ehret to a 33-3 record. He has been compared to Josh Childress, who has signed to play at Stanford next season. 

Roberson named to All-State team 

Berkeley High’s Robin Roberson was named to the All-State First Team by Cal-Hi Sports. Roberson, who will attend Arizona next fall, led the Lady ’Jackets to their second straight NorCal Division I championship this season. Berkeley center Sabrina Keys was named to the All-Junior Team. 

St. Mary’s guards honored 

Guards DaShawn Freeman and John Sharper were named to the Division IV All-State Team by Cal-Hi Sports. The backcourt duo helped lead the Panthers to the Division IV CIF State Championship, the school’s first state title. Freeman was also named to the NorCalPreps.com second team. 

Cal swimmer wins national title 

AUSTIN, Tex. – Cal freshman swimming sensation Natalie Coughlin captured another national title Wednesday when she won the 100-meter butterfly at the USA Swimming National Championships.  

Coughlin covered the distance in 59.38, edging out Mary Descenza (59.39).  

“I’m pretty tired,” Coughlin said of her hectic schedule. “This is my spring break, and I’ve had a long season. My goal was just to make the (World Championship) team. It doesn’t matter in what. I did (make the team) and I’m happy.”  

Earlier this month, Coughlin was named NCAA Swimmer of the Year after winning three events at the NCAA meet – the 100- and 200-yard backstroke and the 100-yard butterfly – setting NCAA marks in each event. Her times both backstroke events were also American records.  

In addition, Coughlin, who is a nominee for the Honda Sports Award in swimming, helped the Bears to three second-place NCAA finishes in the relays, as well.