H-S Athlete of the Week: Aubrey Brown, Belle Vernon
NAME: Aubrey Brown
SCHOOL: Belle Vernon
GRADE: Sophomore
SPORT: Basketball
BROWN’S WEEK: The sophomore scored a career-high 24 points in the Lady Leopards’ 85-62 victory over Lincoln Park in the first round of the WPIAL Class 4A girls basketball playoffs on Feb. 16 at Belle Vernon Area High School.
Brown added three blocks in helping her team tie a program best in wins with 20. The mark was set in 1998. Belle Vernon surpassed that mark with a 42-25 triumph over Burrell on Saturday in the consolation round at Belle Vernon Area High School. The Lady Leopards have qualified for the state playoffs.
Brown made nine field goals, including five 3-pointers, and was 1 of 3 at the foul line against Lincoln Park.
“It was a great atmosphere playing in front of our home fans against Lincoln Park,” Brown said. “Everyone had our backs and we always play well at home. Lyla (McConnell) and Isis (Almyty) played really well, too.”
PICK YOUR POISON: Standing at 6-2, Brown is the tallest player on Belle Vernon’s roster, and she plays inside, but has the ability to play on the wing.
“I can play inside or outside, and in AAU, I was the five (center),” Brown said. “I became more of a hybrid player in middle school and carried that over to high school.”
Brown, who has been playing basketball since she was in elementary school, credits AAU in helping her develop as a player. She plans to play basketball in college.
“AAU is really what helps you when it comes to getting noticed by college coaches and scouts,” Brown said. “In AAU, you have the opportunity to play against other opponents that you may not see in the high school season. I also play with girls in AAU that I may face in the high school season.”
FOLLOWING BIG BROTHER: Brown’s older brother, Elijah, is one of the top wrestlers in the country. Elijah, a senior who has committed to Penn State, won a state championship last year in the 215-pound weight class in Class 3A, and is the odds-on-favorite to win the title for a second time this season.
Aubrey has learned many lessons from her older brother.
“I wrestled when I was younger, but then I started to shift my focus more to basketball, so I had to give it up,” Aubrey Brown said. “Even though he competes in an individual sport, Elijah always helps me to get ready before a big game. He is great with preparation, and just knowing the work he has done to be great in his sport is inspiring.”
Brown said she is asked to try wrestling again numerous times, but she is set on basketball. She also plays volleyball for the Lady Leopards, and competed in track & field last year.
“Volleyball is great because I don’t put pressure on myself for that sport like I did in basketball,” Brown said. “It provides me with a little bit of a break from basketball. Track was fun last year, but I had to give that up because I was just too busy. Once I am done with basketball and my school work, I don’t have too much free time.”
NEW BLOOD AT BVA: Brown has played her first two seasons at Belle Vernon under Cornelious Nesbit, whom she feels is the best coach for the job.
“Coach Nesbit has been great,” Brown said. “He emphasizes building the culture of the program and always giving 100%. I feel like we are lucky to have him as our coach.”