Brooke Nunnally-Gardner Brooke Nunnally-Gardner 6'0" | PF Dexter Southfield | 2026 State New E | PF/C | DS

Nunnally-Gardner was such a fine piece for Dexter. The senior forward was dependable on the boards, a big target in the post plus there wasn’t a stone unturned defensively. Brooke was named an All-Star for her hardworking efforts.

Brooke Nunnally-Gardner Brooke Nunnally-Gardner 6'0" | PF Dexter Southfield | 2026 State New E (2026) | 6’0 PF/C | DS

Brooke put up a double-double against Darrow. Her 15 pts, 12 reb plus 5 ast left an impression in this game. The senior big has been such a steady force and she’s one to keep tabs on right now.

Brooke is a two-time NEPSAC All-Star and is committed to playing Division I basketball at Cornell. She excels at cutting into open space for easy scoring opportunities and is a strong presence defensively, using her body and timing to block shots and stay in front of opponents. She sprints back in transition to eliminate fast-break chances and is a powerful post scorer who finishes through contact, even against double teams.

Brooke Nunnally-Gardner Brooke Nunnally-Gardner 6'0" | PF Dexter Southfield | 2026 State New E (2026) | 6’0 PF | Bay State Jags

What a powerful force Brooke can be in the paint. She has sound agility for someone possessing so much strength. Players are in for a rough time going up against her. Nunnally-Gardner has been going to work this AAU season. She just received an offer from Cornell.

Brooke Nunnally-Gardner Brooke Nunnally-Gardner 6'0" | PF Dexter Southfield | 2026 State New E (2026) | 6’0 PF | Dexter Southfield

There’s not a harder working big in NEPSAC AAA. Brooke has made a name for herself as the tough nosed forward that can play inside & out, but she’s been the quintessential anchor for her squad for some time now. Nunnally-Gardner has been tasked with doing the dirty work and sometimes she can get overlooked because she’s not doing the most glamorous things on the floor. Brooke does have a knack for finding the ball, plus her teammates trust her soft touch around the rim. Even if she does miss though, the ’26 big has a high probability of getting her own rebound. Her defensive instincts can also be understated at times. She cuts players off and uses her physical tools to protect the paint. Not only that, but Brooke also runs the floor very well for someone who could be considered a brute force. The AAA All-Star stepped up this year after losing some impressive talent from last year’s team. Brooke was reliable in individual matchups and really brought the pressure to opponents. It’ll be interesting to see how she translates the dominance to AAU.

Brooke Nunnally-Gardner Brooke Nunnally-Gardner 6'0" | PF Dexter Southfield | 2026 State New E (2025) | 6’0 PF/C | Dexter Southfield

Brooke had her work cut out for her in this game. She was tasked with putting a stop to one of the top players at her position, securing rebounds, maintaining a paint presence, scraping for loose balls and even scoring which would keep an offensive star honest. Nunnally-Gardner’s efforts in the game didn’t go unnoticed though. She played her position well and as the game stretched on, she started to get cleaner looks on the drives. The finishes were strong with full extension to get over hugging defenders. She commands attention in the paint. Brooke provided solid defense herself, especially in and around the paint. This made it hard for Tilton to operate at times. Brooke’s foundational play and hard work was worthy of mention.

Brooke Nunnally-Gardner Brooke Nunnally-Gardner 6'0" | PF Dexter Southfield | 2026 State New E (2025) | 6’0 PF | Dexter Southfield

The 6’0 big is just a push at a button for a mismatch within the game. She is as strong as an ox and has a very soft touch for someone with such dominating power. Too nimble for centers to stay with in the open floor, but too much brute strength for a stretch forward to guard in a smaller lineup. The dynamic defense Brooke offers really separates her from others in the class. She is someone that can guard just about any style of post player, especially one of the better scoring bigs in the class. She moves her feet well and tracks blocks down. After a BNG block, opponents will think twice about attempting layups in the paint. Nunnally-Gardner is coming into the season in a lead role with Dexter Southfield with a ton on the table. Brooke is the #3 ranked player at the position.

Brooke Nunnally-Gardner Brooke Nunnally-Gardner 6'0" | PF Dexter Southfield | 2026 State New E (2026) | 6’0 PF/C | Dexter Southfield

Player Comparison: Aliyah Boston

Nunnally-Gardner’s game is very similar to Boston in her high school days. Brooke is a low post powerhouse that uses her physical strength and stature to her advantage. Dominating the paint and overpowering defenders is a main staple in BNG’s game just like Boston’s. Brooke has some post moves, but her work is done early in the shot clock after setting screens or just fighting for position to get an easy entry pass to her. Once the space is created and BNG is in position, good luck stopping her from getting a basket. She does an excellent job of making herself available after sealing her defender. Nunnally-Gardner works perfectly in pick & roll situations as well as any halfcourt screening scenarios. Although she does draw a bunch of attention down low, when receiving the ball, she does look for shooters and can face up a bit when presented the opportunity. Defensively BNG is a monster on the defensive glass. She plays superb defense using the rule of verticality and being physical.

Brooke is a player that has been compelling to watch contribute to the success of Dexter Southfield. She will surely be bringing in some offers from some top-notch schools in no time.