By BYRON BEERS
Zac Brown has been Collinsville’s catalyst over the course of the 2022-23 season.
The 6-foot-8 junior forward, in a bounce-back year, has been a double-double machine, averaging 20.4 points and 12.4 rebounds though the Cardinals’ first nine games.
Brown had to overcome a broken leg he suffered in 2021 to get where he’s currently at.
“After breaking my leg at the beginning of last season I believe that I have worked very hard to make myself an important role on my team,” Brown said.
The prominent forward has recorded eight double-doubles this season and had a 28 point, 21 rebound performance on Jan. 3 in Collinsville’s 83-53 win over Glenpool. He had a season-high 29 points against Claremore and has scored 20 points or better six times.
“My strengths on the court are scoring in the post, rebounding, and blocking shots,” Brown said. “I think that the team has had a challenging start with many close games. I also think that we are a young team that is improving with every game.”
“Zac has developed a great work ethic,” Collinsville head coach Todd Anderson said. “He has become more of a factor for us on both ends of the floor, blocking shots, and leading the team in rebounding and scoring. He is currently averaging a double double. He had a career high 25 rebounds vs Sapulpa Saturday night. Zac is also a great teammate.”
To go along with his scoring and rebounding prowess, Brown is also averaging just under two blocked shots per game and is shooting 69 percent overall from the floor.
Brown has been playing basketball since third grade and has established strong relationships with his teammates.
“My teammates are also my best friends,” he said. “We have a great time playing basketball and hanging out. They help and encourage me so that I can be successful on and off the court.”
Aside from basketball, Brown carries a 4.0 grade point average and is currently taking college courses.
“The best part about being a student-athlete is that the administrators, teachers, and students at my school are all very supportive towards me and my teammates,” he said.
Brown, who has helped lead the Cardinals to a 5-4 start, enjoys going to the gym and being with his friends and family during his free time.
