When the AAU season began back in April, Brown (pictured above) was simply not on our radar. While we had already familiarized ourselves with many members of the Class of 2030 (primarily those with significant roles on varsity), the viewing opportunities were limited for Scarlett, who has yet to make her debut for Alexandria. But thanks to a helpful heads up from West Central United head coach Brett Smith, we added the Cardinals 8th grader, along with the rest of the 2030 Blue team, to our list of names to see. What became immediately clear upon first viewing was that Brown was going to be something special. 

To be clear, Scarlett’s game isn’t flashy by any means. She isn’t typically the type to make highlight reel style plays or be demonstrative on defense, but the talented wing checks all the boxes for today’s college game. Standing at 6’1 and still growing, Scarlett’s lengthy frame, ample athleticism, and ability to impact the game at multiple positions make her a standout Division 1 prospect in a class that is already loaded with talent. 

What impressed us so much about Brown’s game in our first viewing (and every viewing since) was her ability to impact every area of the contest. With a strong fundamental skillset, Scarlett plays with a well-rounded approach that doesn’t leave many gaps for opponents to capitalize on. She can score off the catch from multiple spots on the floor or take defenders one on one to the rim. She defends with intensity, is an effective facilitator, and easily controls the boards on both ends of the floor. On top of all of that, Brown plays with a calm, even-keeled demeanor that allows her to maintain her composure in high pressure situations. Over the course of the AAU season, we saw her keep a level head in tight matchups, come up with key buckets down the stretch, and pull off clutch defensive stops – all of which were crucial in West Central’s AAU State Championship run, the first in the program’s history.

Over the course of the spring and summer, we saw Brown’s game grow and evolve, as she became more skilled, and gained more confidence with each passing weekend. And with that came an increase in attention. While Scarlett began the season as a relatively unknown prospect, her play throughout AAU turned numerous heads, now making her name one that we routinely mention when college coaches ask “Who should we be watching in the class of 2030?” In a long line of talented players to come out of Alexandria, it’s clear that the incoming freshman is up next.

Brown (pictured above) may be the secret weapon for the West Central United 2030 Blue squad this season. While she hasn’t received nearly as much fanfare as teammates Elin Retzlaff Elin Retzlaff 5'9" | CG/SF Hillcrest Lutheran | 2030 MN and Ehlin Youngberg Ehlin Youngberg 5'10" | SG Little Falls | 2030 MN , the 6’0 shooting guard is impossible to ignore. With tremendous length and mobility, plus a strong frame, Scarlett is able to guard any position one through five. She’s a proficient ball handler, can knock down shots from distance with a textbook release, and can just as easily score off the bounce. What particularly impressed us about Brown was her stoicism. Scarlett plays with an incredibly even-keeled demeanor, allowing her to weather the storms of a close matchup without batting an eye. Smooth and highly athletic, this Alexandria 8th grader has all the tools to make it to the next level.