By ISAAC DEER
TopSports.news
The name Elijah Brooks is familiar to basketball fans around Topeka, and after departing from Topeka West to play Division 1 basketball at North Dakota, the Charger product is continuing to build a solid on-the-court resume after having a strong freshman season.
Elijah Brooks
The high school record for Brooks speaks for itself.
He was named Mr. Basketball in Kansas for the 2021-22 season, finished as the all-time leading scorer in Topeka West history with 1,450 points and holds the single-game scoring record with 43 points.
It didn't take long for Brooks to earn a spot in the starting five for the Fighting Hawks. Brooks turned heads and impressed the North Dakota basketball staff enough to play in 27 games in the 2022-2023 campaign.
Brooks credits the teaching from Topeka West coach Rick Bloomquist for setting him up for Division I success.
According to Brooks, how practices, weights and conditioning developmental plans at North Dakota are set is similar to how Bloomquist runs his practices at Topeka West.
"I'm sure he pulled bits and pieces out of college practices because it's similar to what we do in North Dakota," Brooks said. "He's a great coach and knows what he's talking about. He trusted me with everything. The weight room aspect of his coaching got me prepared for the next level.
"I was stronger than most of the incoming freshmen and was one of the top five strongest dudes on the team. He pushed me in the weight room, was big on my development throughout high school, and got me ready for college."
An aspect of Brooks' legendary high school career was his dominance. Brooks was attacking in the paint, taking slick shots beyond the arc and was a terrific defender. His effectiveness in every game and superb playing style was a big reason he landed in the Division I ranks.
Brooks adapted to the challenges of playing at the highest level of college basketball by being aware of his surroundings. Brooks recognized that to earn minutes on the court, he had to think and play faster than ever.
In Year 1, Brooks excelled at being a fast learner.
"Everything comes with its challenges, including finding out about yourself," Brooks said. "It's all about adjusting to what you can and can't do on the court. You must learn how to get to your spots more and set people up. In high school, you can play around with the ball more and do what you want if the offense revolves around you.
"In college, everyone is working around the ball and finding the right opportunity before the shot clock hits zero. College basketball is all about quick movement and quick decisions. I had to learn how to read and react quicker. My playstyle now is all about reading and reacting to situations."
In 27 games played, Brooks played a vital role in what North Dakota schemed in the 2022-2023 campaign. With his historic high school accolades behind him, Brooks had a fresh start in a new system without having any doubt about himself and what he could do on the court.
"I just needed to be a competitor and accept any challenge," Brooks said. "I had the mindset of not caring who is in front of me or who I would guard. I really just wanted to attack the (opposition), make them get the hardest shots of their life, and me having a dog mentality out there.
"I knew I had my teammates' support and trust. They gave me the boost I needed coming in. It was super easy, and I was comfortable just going out there, being myself and getting it going. I found out what would work for me."
Brooks scored in double figures three times in his freshman year. He racked up a career-high 17 points against Seattle, a moment that he thinks changed the course for the better in his short career.
"I remember the Seattle game well," Brooks said. "I think it was the seventh game of the year, and the game started off well for me on the defensive end. I was guarding the best player from (Seattle). I guarded him from the jump.
"He was averaging 23 (points per game) or something like that. In the first half, I think he had six points, so I was already pumped up off of that. I tried to stay level-headed at the same time. I remember that night being my (best)."
Luckily for Brooks, he has always been a solid student. He knew he could take care of his business off the court, so he would be well-equipped for the challenges ahead of him on the court.
But despite his success with his classes, adjusting from high school to college was a challenge.
"My first semester was pretty rough even though school comes pretty easy to me," Brooks said. "I wouldn't say I'm gifted with the school stuff, but I know how to get through it. Coming into my freshman year, I was not prepared at all. I had this biology class, and boy, oh boy, I struggled. I was ready to give up, but I had help around me to help me get through it.
"I was able to find a rhythm with going to study hall before or after practice. I just set reminders about preparing and finishing things. But then when we started playing on the road, things got worse for me and my balance. But I had an academic advisor that helped me on Zoom during study hall. The support that North Dakota offers really lifts me up and helps me out when I struggle."
With a year of playing and study experience behind him, Brooks has his eyes set on a step forward for a successful sophomore season.
"In Year 2, I want to make either the first offensive or defensive team," Brooks said. "That's the biggest goal for me. For our team, I want us to win the conference tournament and punch our ticket to the NCAA tournament.
"I want to be on that big stage performing with our guys. I know we all work hard and deserve it. Our coaches and fans think we deserve it, too. We have to go out there and get it."
