Brittney Griner’s 29-point game against MacArthur Friday night was definitely notable, but it was still 10 points shy of her highest scoring game this season, which came against Memorial.

For Griner’s performance last week and for the season, she is named The Athlete’s Connection All-Star Athlete of the Week.

Griner, a junior, began playing basketball just three years ago.

“I got to high school and everyone was trying out, so I decided to try out,” she said.

She played basketball in middle school, but never thought she’d be at this level.

“It’s amazing how far she’s brought her game in such a short amount of time,” said Nimitz coach Debbie Jackson. “She definitely has the God-given skills but she is an exceptionally hard worker. She’s always eager to learn. I wish everyone who picked up a basketball could advance as far as she has in just three years.”

For this season, Griner has a total of 571 points. On offense she averages 25 points-per-game and 2.5 assists. On defense she averages 12.3 rebounds and seven blocks per game.

“Brittney is an amazing player and is so enjoyable to watch because she can play both offense and defense,” Jackson said. “She’s a team player. She doesn’t hesitate to pass the ball or get an assist when she’s being double-teamed.”

Defense is what attracted Griner to the sport. She played both volleyball and basketball her freshman year but decided to focus on just basketball because it was more of a contact sport.

“I had more of a love for it (basketball). It’s more of a contact sport and I like to play defense. Some people think offense, but I like defense,” Griner said.

People may think offense because of her height. Griner is 6-foot-7.

“I’ve always been tall, but I’d say in my ninth grade year I hit a growth spurt and have been growing ever since,” she said.

Griner talked about Nimitz’s season to date and the goals for the weeks to come.

“So far this season we’ve been doing really well. We’ve got a lot of new girls on the team
and they are doing real well for us,” Griner said. “Pretty much we’re getting ready for the second round and for the Ike (Eisenhower) game. I know I’m looking forward to playing Ike again and for the playoffs and making deep into the playoffs.”

Although only a junior, Griner already has committed to Baylor University. While playing for the Bears, Griner plans on studying criminal justice.

And with still a season-and-a-half left to play in high school, Jackson looks forward to watching and coaching Griner.

“It’s almost like she lulls you because she seems to score almost effortlessly. I don’t realize how many points she’s scored until I look at the scorebook after the game because she makes it look so easy. I think the best complement an athlete can get is that they make it look so effortless and she does.”  

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