WPIAL Alum Q&A – Brenna Wise

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, January 2, 2017 | 10:37 PM

To call Brenna Wise one of the best female athletes of this generation in the WPIAL would not be hyperbole. In her four years at Vincentian Academy, Wise propelled the Royals to four WPIAL championships on the hardwood, and two state titles. She was also a two-time PIAA player of the year recipient. Wise’s performance has carried over to the college ranks with the Pitt Panthers, as she’s one of the best players not only on her team, but in the conference.

Wise started and led the team in scoring as a freshman in 2011-12 for the Royals, and was already the second tallest player on the roster. That season, Vincentian went 11-1 in section play, with the only loss coming to North Catholic. In the postseason, the Royals mounted a fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the Trojans and capture the WPIAL Class A title, 54-50. The Royals also won three state postseason games before falling to North Catholic in the PIAA semifinals.

The following season, the Royals were even more impressive, posting an undefeated mark in section action, and knocking off Serra Catholic 53-46 to claim gold. In that victory, Wise turned in a monster performance, with 18 points, 21 rebounds and four blocks. In the state playoffs, the Royals took the next step and reached the finals, but came up short in a battle against Tri-Valley.

Although she was already renowned after a pair of titles, Wise continued to add to her reputation with a dominant junior campaign. She netted 19.5 points per game, and averaged 9.5 rebounds, 3.7 steals and 2.6 blocks, as well. Once again, Wise guided her team to a WPIAL title, a 66-46 triumph against Serra Catholic. In that tilt, Wise posted 25 points, 13 rebounds and seven blocks. Three weeks later, she finally achieved PIAA gold, too, as Vincentian dominated Old Forge, 58-34. Wise again filled the stat sheet, with 21 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, five blocks and three steals.

In her final high-school season, Wise cemented herself as one of the greatest in the district. She averaged 20.8 points and 7.2 boards, and her team won its fourth straight WPIAL title, and second-consecutive PIAA Championship. In the district finals, Vincentian outclassed Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic 74-35, with Wise individually matching the entire Trojans scoring output. Wise and the Royals were even more dominant in Hershey, as they blasted Old Forge 86-38. In her final high-school game, Wise notched a triple-double, with 30 points, 11 rebounds and 13 steals.

For her career, Wise reached the 2,000 point, 1,000 rebound milestone, as she scored 2,331 points. She also appeared on the MSA Sports All-Netters list three times, twice winning player of the year. Perhaps most impressively, she concluded her high-school tenure with a 5.0 GPA.

With an array of scholarship offers to choose from, the forward elected to stay in Pittsburgh, joining the Panthers. That decision proved “wise”, as she immediately became one of the team’s top performers as a freshman last season. Wise started all 31 games, and paced the team in scoring (10.7) and rebounding (7.6) averages, and notched seven double-doubles. For her efforts, she was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team. The Panthers compiled a record of 13-18, including a first-round overtime win in the ACC tournament against North Carolina.

This season, Wise has been even better, as she’s increased her scoring output to 14.5 points per game, while still hauling in 7.2 rebounds. The Panthers collectively appear to be improved, too, as the team boasts a mark of 9-4, with ACC play set to begin tonight.

Brenna took time from her hectic schedule to answer questions about her constant desire for championships at Vincentian, her academic achievements, and which player she’d most like to play one-on-one.

Q: You put up very impressive numbers as a freshman. How were you able to make the transition to the college game so quickly?

A: I wouldn’t say I made the transition quickly; I am still making the transition on a daily basis. But it’s because of my coaches, coupled with my work ethic, that helped make the transition go a little smoother. Specifically, Coach Kathy would do extra reps with me before or after practice to help prepare me for what I would face come game time.

Q: What did you focus on during the offseason, and which areas do you feel you are better in now as a sophomore?

A: Ball handling will always be my Achilles heel and something I must continue to work on, but this past off season my range behind the arc, consistency shooting the ball, and foot speed to be able to defend were areas I knew I needed to work on. Being a sophomore, I would like to think I am a better , and I am still working on my ball handling and foot speed. There are always areas to improve on, even the areas that may be my strengths.

Q: Playing inside and battling for so many rebounds can be physically draining. What type of preparation and conditioning do you use to get you prepared for the rigors of the season?

A: Coach Suzie does a great job making practice competitive, incorporating men practice players who are more physical and challenge us to compete. Also, I attribute a collective team toughness to our strength and conditioning coach Tim Beltz; the weight room isn’t easy but it definitely pays off.

Q: Last season the Panthers hit a rough stretch during conference play. What did you learn from that and how do you believe the team will handle that challenge this year?

A: I believe the ACC is the toughest conference in the NCAA, especially this year having seven of the 15 teams in the top 25. With top teams like that, Pitt is guaranteed a challenge every game day. Last year taught us that we are in those games, and the difference between wins and losses comes down to finishing and competing for 40 minutes. This is no excuse, but we were young last year and are young this. But it’s our experience from last year that you can’t teach, and will only benefit us come conference play.

Q: Your coach is a true basketball icon. What is your relationship like, and how does she excel as a coach?

A: She is humble, but hungry and that trickles down to us. She’s a woman who knows what it takes to be successful, and I desire her same success. I value her feedback, guidance, and commitment to me and our team. She makes me better from a basketball IQ level, as a player, leader, and person.

Q: What were the biggest factors in deciding to go to Pitt?

A: Being challenged both academically and athletically was important to me, and there is no question I got what I was looking for. The opportunity to compete in the best conference, to get a great education, and to stay in what I consider the best city around, what else could I ask for? Pittsburgh is home to me and family is huge to me; they played an important factor in my decision. Coach Suzie did, as well. I desire to continue to play for as long as I can, and I know coach will make me into the best player I can be. I won’t find that too many other places.

Q: What is your major and ideal future profession?

A: Currently, I am majoring in Business, specially Marketing. However, I don’t see myself leaving the sports world and am looking to pursue a career in sport broadcasting, and hopefully coaching myself one day.

Q: You were recognized for your academic achievement last year, as well. How have you been able to handle the athletic schedule while still focusing on your classwork?

A: Like I mentioned earlier, I like to be challenged and compete in all facets of my life. Academics are very important to me, and I do realize basketball will come to end one day and I hope to build a great foundation for a successful professional future. I wouldn’t have been able to achieve academically if it wasn’t for my academic adviser Tilly Sheets, and the academic center that I’ve spent many hours in! Pitt gives me the tools in order to succeed in all categories.

Q: You won a WPIAL title in each of your high school seasons. Was it a challenge to stay as hungry and motivated after you had already won the first?

A: Absolutely not. I am greedy when it comes to winning and settling isn’t who I am. I wanted more and made it a goal to never be satisfied. As my dad has always told me, “there is always room to get better.”

Q: With all of that success, was there a particular moment in high school that stood out the most?

A: Not necessarily a specific moment, but it was an honor to play for Coach Ron Moncrief and to represent Vincentian Academy. I was blessed to play with a great group of girls every year.

Q: If you could play one-on-one against anyone in the world, past or present, who would you pick?

A: LeBron James, talk about making me better!!!!

Q: What food could you eat every day for the rest of your life?

A: Peanut butter!

Q: Do you use social media much, and if so, which is your favorite?

A: I’m a big fan of snap chat

Q: What is a hidden talent you possess or little-known fact about you?

A: I have a slight (not so slight) obsession with shoes

Q: Who has been your greatest inspiration?

A: My hero is my dad. I would be nothing without him. He’s my biggest critic, my toughest coach, but my best teammate. I wouldn’t want to chase my dreams with anyone else.

Tags: Vincentian Academy