Archbishop Carroll’s Brooke Wilson is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week (March 20-26)
The junior guard is second on the Patriots in scoring (15.0 ppg) and first in rebounds (4.7 rpg), steals (1.7 spg) and assists (3.2 apg), and her performances have played a key role in Carroll advancing to the PIAA 6A girls’ basketball state tournament final (as of March 21). A versatile performer at guard, she has logged quite a few minutes as the Patriots’ point guard when needed. Off the court, she is a member of the school’s Student Council and a member of the PCL Advisory Committee.
Q: What part of your game have you worked on the most recently?
A: In the off season and throughout this season I’ve really focused on my fundamentals — shooting form, dribbling, and footwork. I’ve also been improving on my midrange game, and my tempo.
Q: You older sister Taylor is a Patriot teammate – tell us why you admire Taylor and what you’ve learned from her.
A: I am so lucky to have the best sister, friend, and teammate in Taylor. She is always there for me no matter what, and there is no one I look up to more than her. Her competitiveness is contagious. As her teammate seeing how passionate she is, and how she brings 100 percent to every practice, game, and workout is inspiring. She pushes me and everyone around her to work hard every time they step on the court or in the gym. Her passion for the team and want to be the best she can be is remarkable. Her leadership skills have been on a great display this year leading our team past some of our challenges. She is the first to hold everyone accountable after losses and lift us all up. I have learned so much from Taylor. I am so lucky to have such an amazing person as my sister.
Q: What do you think is the most important key to effective rebounding?
A: Rebounding is all effort. You have to want the ball. So for me that’s always staying locked into the play. When a shot goes up I’m always tracking the ball and doing whatever it takes to get it.
Q: What has been your favorite experience to date with the Archbishop Carroll girls’ basketball team this season (as of mid-March)?
A: My favorite memory with my team this season has been all the team bonding events we do like team dinners, parties, and sleepovers. We are all so close this year, and these girls are my best friends. I love spending time with them.
Q: What in your opinion is the biggest key(s) to playing good defense?
A: Defense is all about effort and staying locked into the play just like rebounding. You always have to be ready to move. As a team, communication is key. I would not be the defender I am without my teammates constantly talking to me.
Q: Tell us a little about your start in basketball. Have you always been a guard?
A: I started playing basketball in 2nd grade. I played forward most of my years growing up until I got to high school where I transitioned to a true guard. It wasn’t until this year that I became a true point guard.
Q: Who have been your top basketball mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from each of them?
A: One of my top basketball mentors is my Dad. He was my first coach and one of the most memorable. The most important thing he always stressed was dedication and effort. I learned how to work hard because of him. Mrs. (Renie) Shields is another one of my top basketball mentors. The most important thing she has taught me is how valuable playing on a team like ours is. It is one of the few opportunities in life where you will be surrounded by people who love what they do. Because of this, I learned to make strong relationships with my teammates and coaches and take advantage of the great opportunity I am given. Mrs. Shields teaches me countless lessons on and off the court that I will cherish forever.
Q: Who is your favorite basketball player and why?
A: My favorite basketball player is Olivia Miles because she works very hard and is very unselfish. I love how she pushes the ball in transition and how she gets her teammates open.
Q: You wear uniform jersey No. 5 for Archbishop Carroll basketball – is there a reason you chose that number?
A: I have worn No. 5 since one of my first years playing basketball. We were picking BetterBall jersey numbers and it was between 5 and another number. My brother, Jake, was 5 years old at the time so I picked 5. I’ve stuck with it ever since.
Q: What do you do as a member of the PCL Advisory Committee?
A: The PCL Advisory Committee serves to both improve the PCL student athletes experience and our own personal growth. At the meetings we have group discussions focused on such topics as sportsmanship, community service projects, social media responsibility, interacting with coaches and the PIAA athletic calendar.
Q: What is your favorite academic course at Archbishop Carroll? What do you think you might like to major in when you go to college?
A: My favorite academic course at Carroll is Engineering. I am undecided on what I want to major in in college maybe something in the business/finance area. I want to play basketball in college, while receiving a great education that will prepare me for my future.
Fun facts – Brooke Wilson
Favorite TV show: Gossip Girl.
Favorite movie: The Grinch.
Favorite athlete: Olivia Miles.
Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.
Favorite place to visit: Ocean City, N.J.
Favorite pre-game meal: WAWA sandwich.
Person I most admire: “My sister Taylor.”
Family members: parents Dave and Jen, older sister Taylor, younger brother Jake.
(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)
