By Anthony Gulizia, Globe Correspondent
Charlestown junior guard Akosa Maduegbunam has decided to complete his senior year at Winchendon School next year, despite receiving an athletic scholarship to Boston University.
Maduegbunam, who repeated his sophomore year at Charlestown after transferring from Cushing Academy halfway through the year, was eligible to graduate from Charlestown after his junior year.
"Akosa is a very competitive player, he likes to win," Charlestown coach Edson Cardoso said. "He likes to bring the best out of his teammates. At Winchendon, he''ll get to play against the top guards in the region and improve himself to play at the next level."
Despite losing Maduegbunam, Charlestown will still compete as one of the top teams in the state next season.
Cardoso will have a strong lineup with returning seniors Tyrik Jackson, Rony Fernandes and Iser Barnes. Juniors Tyrese Hoxter and Omar Orriols also bring a strong skill set to the back court.
Sophomore Jon Grullon, who transferred to Charlestown from Brooklyn, N.Y., is a 6-9 post player that Cardoso said will be a strong defensive addition.
"I think he’s a raw basketball player that's still learning the game," Cardoso said. "He can grab rebounds and block shots. He's not an offensive threat yet, but we can work with him and make him an offensive presence."
