(2016) Mercedes Brooks
6"0" G/F - Wichita Falls, TX
Mercedes Brooks' focus next season with the Rider Lady Raiders (Wichita Falls TX) basketball team is getting to the state tournament. Brooks ensured at least one potential distraction is out of the way.
The Rider junior gave a verbal commit Monday evening to play basketball for Kansas State University. Her commitment comes on the heels of her being named District 5-5A MVP and Red River 22 MVP after leading the Lady Raiders to their first ever regional tournament berth.
"That's where I felt the most wanted," Brooks said of choosing Kansas State. "I like their style of play. I think their style of play really fits for me."
Several other schools had expressed interest in Brooks, including Louisville, Arkansas, UTEP and Iowa State. Brooks has two older sisters who are Division I track athletes, including Taliyah Brooks - a freshman at Arkansas. Jasmine Brooks is a sophomore at Texas Southern.
Mercedes said the communication with the Arkansas basketball coaches wasn't strong enough to make her consider joining her sister at the school.
"I really like the (Kansas State) coaches. They made me feel like a part of the family," Brooks said. "I just felt like Kansas State took the extra time to actually get to know me."
Rider coach Ramsey Ghazal said Kansas State has always had a strong presence during Brooks' recruiting process.
"I think they made the first connection and that was a big deal for her," Ghazal said. "Plus, coach (Jeff) Mittie was familiar with this area from his time at TCU. I think that helped him in recruiting her."
Brooks averaged 18.1 points, 8.1 points and 3.7 assists for the Lady Raiders during her junior campaign. They went 31-4, falling in the Region I-5A semifinals on an overtime buzzer-beater to eventual state champion Canyon.
"She has the potential to do whatever she wants to," Ghazal said of Brooks playing at the college level. "Her biggest asset is her versatility. She can defend any position. She can face up or play with her back to the basket. She can play guard or forward. Her forte is her versatility."
Kansas State went 19-14 last season, losing in the second round of the Women's Postseason NIT. The Wildcats finished eighth in the Big 12. They lose just three seniors from that team.
As for her early commitment to the Wildcats, Brooks says it's unlikely she'll change her mind.
"I really like K-State," Brooks said. "I don't plan on changing my mind, but anything can happen. I just feel like K-State is where I want to be."
http://www.timesrecordnews.com/sports/riders-brooks-commits-to-k-state
This post was edited on 4/1 6:02 PM by catfan28
6"0" G/F - Wichita Falls, TX
Mercedes Brooks' focus next season with the Rider Lady Raiders (Wichita Falls TX) basketball team is getting to the state tournament. Brooks ensured at least one potential distraction is out of the way.
The Rider junior gave a verbal commit Monday evening to play basketball for Kansas State University. Her commitment comes on the heels of her being named District 5-5A MVP and Red River 22 MVP after leading the Lady Raiders to their first ever regional tournament berth.
"That's where I felt the most wanted," Brooks said of choosing Kansas State. "I like their style of play. I think their style of play really fits for me."
Several other schools had expressed interest in Brooks, including Louisville, Arkansas, UTEP and Iowa State. Brooks has two older sisters who are Division I track athletes, including Taliyah Brooks - a freshman at Arkansas. Jasmine Brooks is a sophomore at Texas Southern.
Mercedes said the communication with the Arkansas basketball coaches wasn't strong enough to make her consider joining her sister at the school.
"I really like the (Kansas State) coaches. They made me feel like a part of the family," Brooks said. "I just felt like Kansas State took the extra time to actually get to know me."
Rider coach Ramsey Ghazal said Kansas State has always had a strong presence during Brooks' recruiting process.
"I think they made the first connection and that was a big deal for her," Ghazal said. "Plus, coach (Jeff) Mittie was familiar with this area from his time at TCU. I think that helped him in recruiting her."
Brooks averaged 18.1 points, 8.1 points and 3.7 assists for the Lady Raiders during her junior campaign. They went 31-4, falling in the Region I-5A semifinals on an overtime buzzer-beater to eventual state champion Canyon.
"She has the potential to do whatever she wants to," Ghazal said of Brooks playing at the college level. "Her biggest asset is her versatility. She can defend any position. She can face up or play with her back to the basket. She can play guard or forward. Her forte is her versatility."
Kansas State went 19-14 last season, losing in the second round of the Women's Postseason NIT. The Wildcats finished eighth in the Big 12. They lose just three seniors from that team.
As for her early commitment to the Wildcats, Brooks says it's unlikely she'll change her mind.
"I really like K-State," Brooks said. "I don't plan on changing my mind, but anything can happen. I just feel like K-State is where I want to be."
http://www.timesrecordnews.com/sports/riders-brooks-commits-to-k-state
This post was edited on 4/1 6:02 PM by catfan28
