A-K Valley Senior Spotlight: Freeport’s Brooke Kmetz

By: Ted Sarneso
Monday, January 22, 2024 | 9:56 AM

Freeport girls basketball senior center Brooke Kmetz’s role hasn’t changed, but whether she starts or comes off the bench varies based on the opponent.

“At the beginning of the season she was a starter for us, but then there were a few games where we felt the matchups warranted a smaller lineup as far as defensive matchups,” coach Mallory Ketterer said.

“It’s been an adjustment. It was pretty hard at first, considering I’m a senior, but it was only a few games, so it wasn’t a big deal,” Kmetz said. “I tried to change my attitude, and I think that helped my game a lot.”

Kmetz is fully aware that the game is dictated by matchups and isn’t fazed when she doesn’t start but looks to provide a spark for the team.

“When I don’t start, I try to tell myself to go in there and do the best I can,” Kmetz said. “I remind myself what my strengths are and what I need to do to help my teammates.”

When she’s in the game, Brooke’s inside presence is a change of pace for the Yellowjackets and one that opposing teams need to account for.

“We don’t have a lot of height on our team, and she’s blessed with that,” Ketterer said. “We look to her to secure as many rebounds as possible, get putbacks, kind of control the paint both offensively and defensively.”

Said Kmetz: “I know we struggle as a team this year in that area, so I’ve tried to improve my rebounding. I have come close a couple times to getting a double-double this season. Most recently, on Jan. 6 against Riverview, I had 11 rebounds and eight points.”

Kmetz took some time for a Senior Spotlight Q-and-A:

Is it difficult being engaged in the game when you’re on the bench?

It’s something I have struggled with in the past. This season, I’ve done a lot of self-reflecting and I’ve realized that the best thing I can do is be positive and think about what I can do when I get the chance to go in and play.

What’s your mindset like when you have to come off the bench?

I always try to stay positive. When I’m hanging out at the scorer’s table, I try to remind myself of all the things I need to do when I get on the court, like rebounding, hustling back and taking shot opportunities.

What is the strongest part of your game?

I try to take up space down low. Boxing out is another thing because I had a few double-doubles last year and I’m trying to work my way back up to that. I’m trying to work on my scoring as well and just contribute to the team.

Favorite high school memory so far?

Being involved. I’m in a lot of clubs at school. I’m in the environmental club and a bunch of others. I’m also in the color guard and marching band. I joined DECA this year and am going to states for that, which is cool.

What’s DECA?

Distributive Education Clubs of America. It’s like a business club where you’re pitched a scenario and you have 10-15 minutes to come up with a sales pitch for a new idea, and you’re judged on what you come up with. I went to Duquesne University a few weeks ago to for districts. It’s fun, and I found it interesting.

Have you picked a school yet?

I’m looking to study nursing, just not sure yet on a school. I have been accepted to several places but haven’t made a decision yet.

What is a piece of advice you want to leave your teammates before you graduate?

Have fun, of course. It’s easy to forget to have fun when you’re playing in hard games. Also, to stay positive. That’s one thing I’ve learned this year: The best thing you can do for yourself and your teammates is to stay positive.

Tags: Freeport