Q&A with Whitney Brown (2020)
One of the top unsigned seniors in the state is Whitney Brown. The 5’6 point guard is entering into her senior year with a ton of momentum and is looking to capitalize on that for another state championship. Northwest won the title last year in what many perceived to be an upset path to the finals. With Brown at the helm, Northwest is always going to have a chance to win. As a shifty guard Brown was very impressive this past summer running with the CSS Bison.
Brown was able to travel the midwest this summer and play against top competition. She stood out as one of the premier players on the Adidas Gauntlet and had very good showings at both the Run for the Roses and the Adidas stop in Indianapolis. Brown has a ton of grit in her game. You can always count on her to do the little things or get on the floor for her team. Her effort really rubs off onto her teammates and elevates her team as a whole. Brown is also a very sneaky good scorer as she packs a punch with the ball in her hands. Whether that be at the rim, in the mid-range, or behind the arc, Brown is always going to be able to get points.
An under-the-radar player throughout the state, Brown is going to have another really solid campaign. I spoke recently with Brown about her game, the upcoming year, and her recruiting.
What did leading your team to a championship this past winter mean for you?
It was an awesome moment that I will always remember. It’s been a goal of mine ever since I was a little girl watching my big sister play and win two state titles during her high school career for basketball. Truly words can’t explain how great of a feeling it was.
What do you think the strengths of your game are?
I think I’m a good ball handler, I’ve been short all my life and have had to work around that weakness and I practiced everyday improving my dribbling skills and working on ways to get past my defenders and weave in and out of them rather then overpower them and try to go over them. I also believe I see the court well and can lead my team in a successful way. I look out for my teammates and I do things based on what’s better for the team and not me alone. I definitely think I have a ways to go on being the best leader I can be but I’d like to believe I’m on the right track!
How did you think that AAU went this summer for you?
I believe my summer basketball for this summer went very well. I got more confidence in myself and improved on some of the things I was struggling on in the summer before. I wouldn’t have wanted to end my last season off with any other girls or coaches. Each and everyone of them made me better and made this summer truly special.
What are you continually working on within your game?
I focus on lot on my shooting game not only threes but my mid-range. I think a lot of people these days have range from deep or can drive but don’t have anything in between really and that’s something I truly strive to get and plan on continually working towards. I want to be consistent with my shot and trusted on game winners.
What are your goals, both for Northwest and individually, for this upcoming season?
My goals for Northwest is another state championship. It’ll definitely be hard and teams will be watching out for us this year more than ever but I think we have the skill, the heart, and capability to do it again and I can’t wait to see how it all turns out for this season. As for my personal goals, I want to improve my free throw percentage and get more defensive steals this season. Along with I plan adding that mid-range threat to my game this season even more. And of course I personally want to go to state again and get that trophy and gold medal because it was the greatest feeling with the greatest team last year!
How has your recruiting gone thus far?
Recruiting has gone great, I’ve went on a few visits and have enjoyed all the schools and really liked all of the coaches I’ve been talking with. I have made a decision but haven’t made it public yet or told anybody as I am waiting to do that!