Breanna Fowler commits to Western Nebraska Community College

Breanna Fowler

Brad Cochi

December 9, 2020 @ 02:00 PM

In a time when there seem to more unknowns than certainties for high school athletes, Berthoud senior at least knows one thing for sure. She’s going to be a college basketball player. On Wednesday, the Berthoud girls basketball team announced via Twitter that Fowler has committed to play collegiately at Western Nebraska Community College. Having successfully navigated a pandemic-hindered recruiting process to secure a spot at the next level, Fowler now gets to play for one of the top Junior Colleges in the nation and reputable coach Chad Gibney. “Coach Gibney reached out to coach (Alan) Gibson and had me come down for a visit,” Fowler said. “I got to practice with the team and meet the coaches and saw the whole school. I really loved it and when they gave me the opportunity to play basketball and go to college for free, I jumped at the chance.” https://x.com/BerthoudGirls/status/1336681758213935114 Over the past seven seasons, WNCC has posted a record of 201-28 and has won no fewer than 25 games in any of those years. The program also has a history of impeccable graduation rates and sending numerous players on to continue their playing careers at all levels. As a junior at Berthoud last season, Fowler, a 5-foot-8 guard, averaged 14 points, four assists, 3.2 rebounds and 3.5 steals to help the Spartans post a 24-3 record and reach the Class 4A Final Four. She also shot 27 percent (28 for 105) from 3-point range and was named honorable mention on the 2019-20 Prep Girls Hoops Colorado All-Junior Team. Despite having most of her summer and fall wiped about by the global pandemic, Fowler’s three-year prep career was enough to earn her an opportunity at WNCC. Now, she’s hoping for a senior season. “It was stressful, for sure,” Fowler said. “Finding out that seniors were able to come back for another year and that there would be fewer opportunities made it really tough. But I’ve got a great opportunity to I feel really happy and fortunate that I’ll be able to play college basketball.” After watching teammate (Tarleton State University) have to sign late as a senior because of injuries that hampered her recruitment, Fowler said she was quick to commit once she realized what an opportunity she had at WNCC. Berthoud head coach Alan Gibson believes Fowler made the right choice and has found an ideal fit. “I just think it’s all about being in the right place at the right time and this is a perfect fit for Bre,” Gibson said. “To go to one of the best teams in the country and play for a coach that was national coach of the year last year. To be able to be set during this time and it’s also close to home, so there are so many positives about this opportunity for her.” At WNCC, Fowler will join Cherry Creek alumnus Bella Sparaco and Fairview graduate Ashley Panem, who are both currently sophomores. Heritage Christian graduate and current freshman is another Colorado prep product who plays for the Lady Cougars.