Prospect Spotlight: Brooklynn Zoeller (2020)

Israel Potoczny

October 26, 2019 @ 07:36 PM

Coming off a strong offseason and junior season, Blue Valley’s Brooklyn Zoeller is gearing up for a strong senior season. At 5’7, Zoeller likes to attack the basket off the dribble and excels at getting to the free throw line. She has worked hard in the weight room throughout her high school career and says that has helped her finish in the lane. “I have also worked on my outside game throughout the offseason to continue to improve as a shooter,” she says. “I love to guard the ball on defense and try to let my defense lead to offense.” One year after averaging 16.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, three steals and 3.7 assists per game, Zoeller says she hopes to go over 1,000 career points and looks forward to putting together another winning season after finishing 11-10 last season — the Rams’ second straight winning campaign.. “The Twin Valley League is an extremely tough league for women's BB,” Zoeller says. “Each year there are numerous teams in the Sub-State championships and State tourneys. We are returning four starters off last year’s team. We also have a strong group of underclassmen that will help us have a great upcoming season. “I am excited for the season to start. I really think as a team we have put in the work throughout the off season in the weight room, summer league, camps, and playing AAU ball that will help us get to the next level. The TVL is extremely tough and we have to be ready to play every night when the whistle blows for the tip-off. We have a great group of ladies that work really well together and we hope to continue to grow as a family and build on last years success.” Also a standout volleyball player for Blue Valley, Zoeller spent the summer competing with the Lawrence Lady Prospects and played in tournaments in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Minnesota, Colorado and Indiana. “This opportunity allowed myself to continue to improve as a basketball player while having the chance to watch a lot of great players from around the country,” she said. “Tournaments are always great competition and great exposure! I have been spending a lot of time on ball handling, pull up jumpers, and working on taking defenders off the dribble.” Zoeller says the biggest influence on her basketball career has been Blue Valley head coach Matt Schreiber. “He has been my high school basketball coach for my whole career,” Zoeller said. “I’ve always looked up to him as a role model and he always believes in me as a player. He is the type of coach who always has a positive attitude and good communication with players. He always believes in me and my playing skills even when I don’t believe in myself. He pushes me to be the best person and leader I can be for our team. “He has put in countless hours of work with me on my shooting form and elevating when I shoot. I’m the type of player who is always asking for extra workouts and shooting drills and he is always willing to come in and work with me and other teammates to get better.” A fan of former Kansas State player Kayla Goth, Zoeller says she has tried to make various elements her game her own. “She is such an inspiration for younger girls that love basketball,” Zoerll said. “Her story is truly inspiring. She is an amazing player and leader on and off the court. I spend a lot of time watching college women’s basketball. I also spend a lot of time reading about basketball. One of the best books I’ve ever read was The Mamba Mentality by Kobe Bryant. “I really like reading about other players experiences and learning about how they read the court and their opponents. Learning about how they prepare and play the game is really cool and I believe can help me improve my game and knowledge of the sport.”