After becoming South Greene’s leading scorer during the 2023-2024 season, Hailey Brooks decided to take her talents to Johnson University on Tuesday, when she signed her letter of intent to play basketball for the Lady Royals.
“It’s kind of insane, I still feel like a freshman,” Brooks said with a laugh. “But it feels great and I’m excited. I’ve worked my whole life for this and it’s a really good feeling, for sure. There were points that I didn’t think I was going to make it, so it definitely is a big accomplishment.”
Brooks played for a fast-paced, high scoring offense at South Greene. She led the team with 287 points, averaging 10.6 per game, making her a perfect fit for Johnson University. But the thing that drove her to Johnson was the coaching, led by Bryon Lawhon.
“It was the coaches, really,” Brooks said on why she chose Johnson University. “He’s a great guy, and it’s close to home so I can still see my family. But he just seems like someone I want to be coached by.”
On top of being the Lady Rebels' best scorer, Brooks also hauled in 84 rebounds and recorded 111 assists in her final season. Defensively, she averaged 2.3 steals per game, totaling 62 on the season. Brooks' all around versatility will easily help her find a role for the Lady Royals.
“This year has been definitely life-changing for me,” Brooks said. “I’ve learned a lot and I think I had to go through this year to be ready for college basketball. There was a lot of adversity, and just things I wasn’t used to. I got to play a role that I’ve never played before. I’ve played point guard some, but I’ve never done that before. And being a leader to the girls helped me a lot and just mentally become stronger.”
Brooks said she plans on staying in the gym and working to be more explosive to prepare for the college level. Johnson University has open gyms that she intends to take full advantage of.
One of the things she’ll remember most about her time at South Greene is how close everyone in the community is.
“Definitely the family thing,” she said. “I’ve been so blessed to be here and I can just genuinely feel the love from everybody. I’ve enjoyed it and I’ll always remember the people here.”
Some of Brooks’ biggest supporters have been her coaches, teachers, teammates and family.
“Basically everybody,” she laughed. “I’m loved and I love them. My papa and my aunt, they went to every game. I can’t think of one that they weren’t at. And my mom has always been my biggest supporter. She’ll always be my biggest supporter.”
Brooks plans on majoring in education while at Johnson University.
Most Popular
Comments / 0