Arkansas Women's Basketball

Brooks ready to step forward for Razorbacks

Arkansas assistant coach Christy Smith speaks with Kelsey Brooks (15) against Missouri during the second half Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, in Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville.

FAYETTEVILLE -- Kelsey Brooks embraced her role as a consistent scorer last season, but she'll take on an even bigger role as a leader of an Arkansas Razorbacks women's basketball team that includes eight newcomers and five freshmen.

"I've been in the gym getting a lot of shots up and working on my mid-range game," Brooks said. "A year ago I think I did well. I think I was pretty aggressive with the ball. This year I just want to be more consistent and make more shots."

At a glance

Kelsey Brooks

POSITION Guard

CLASS Junior

HEIGHT 5-9

HOMETOWN Lenexa, Kan.

LAST SEASON Started every game and averaged 13.8 points per game, second on the team. Also averaged 4.8 rebounds per game and 34.5 minutes per game. The 5-9 guard was honored twice as the SEC’s player of the week and scored at least 20 points in six games.

THE SKINNY Brooks doubled her scoring average from her freshman year (13.8 from 6.4) and will be counted on again as a primary scorer, but she could slide from the off-guard to the point at times. The junior also will be asked to take on more of a leadership role for a young team that includes eight newcomers and five freshmen.

QUOTING COACH JIMMY DYKES “We needed Kelsey to step up as a scorer last year and she did. I think she is a stronger, tougher kid this year. She can be a phenomenal defender. She has all the attributes as far as toughness, quickness and speed.”

Brooks averaged just 6.4 points per game as a freshman but more than doubled that to 13.8 -- second on the team -- last season while averaging 34.5 minutes per game in 32 starts. The 5-9 junior had at least 10 points in the first 12 games and topped 20 points six times.

She also was the Razorbacks' second-leading three-point shooter, making 41 on the season, but she has worked hard in the offseason to improve her percentage (41 of 150) from behind the three-point line.

"We needed Kelsey to step up as a scorer last year and she did," Arkansas Coach Jimmy Dykes said. "She's been a consistent three-point shooter for us so far. Her next step in development there is to get it off quicker with just as much accuracy.

"I like her body better this year. I think she's a stronger and tougher kid. She can be a phenomenal defender. She has all the attributes as far as toughness, quickness and speed."

Dykes is especially pleased with how far Brooks has come as a leader and believes the junior will be able to slide over to the point guard spot at times, which will be helpful following the graduation of Calli Berna.

"She's not afraid of the point anymore, not that she was afraid of it," Dykes said. "I think we had so much confidence in Calli she knew she didn't have to. Now she knows she may have to handle it some, and I think she likes that spot. She's good with the ball. She's tough. She's strong. You can't take it from her."

Dykes said going against a pair of lightning-quick freshmen like Malica Monk and Jordan Danberry has provided Brooks with a good challenge.

"She's not going to face anyone quicker than Malica Monk all year long," Dykes said.

Brooks agreed she has become more vocal, but it hasn't always been easy. Berna helped make her better, she said.

"It's been tough for me at times," Brooks said. "Sometimes I don't like confrontation and being the tough one, but I feel like it has to be done if you're going to win games.

Now it's time for Brooks to be that example for such a young team.

"Being a junior and having eight girls come in is very challenging for us," Brooks said. "I have to be there for them and speak up, show them the ropes.

"I think Calli got me ready for this league and the responsibilities I'm supposed to have. She was a great example. I remember my freshman year I had Calli always on me. Just doing what she was doing, I see how good it made me. I feel like I can do the same for them."

Brooks admitted she is hoping to help the Razorbacks get back to the NCAA Tournament and make the Sweet 16 this season, but she talked to the newcomers about how tough a season can be.

"I think one of the biggest goals is always stay together," Brooks said. "I told them we're going to hit bumps in the road, we're going to lose games, but the thing is we have to bounce back.

"That's a big challenge for us."

Sports on 11/08/2015