Rebels sign Defensive Star Brooke Flowers
Essex Rebels Women have announced their fourth major signing of the off-season, securing the services of elite defensive specialist Brooke Flowers, which follows the signings of Taylor O’Brien, Lauren Park-Lane, and Leah McDerment.
Flowers, a 6-foot-5 power forward from St. Louis, Missouri, joins the Rebels following a successful stint with the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in Australia’s NBL 1, with her arrival promising to bolster the Rebels’ interior presence on both ends of the court.
The 24-year-old American comes to Essex with a reputation as one of the most formidable shot-blockers in recent collegiate history. During her illustrious career at Saint Louis University (SLU), Flowers led the NCAA in blocks per game (3.8) and total blocks (133) in the 2022-23 season, highlighted by a jaw-dropping 11-block performance that topped the nation.
Rebels Head Coach Ashley Cookson expressed excitement about the signing:
“We very excited to have Brooke on the team this season. With her vibrant personality and the game to match, she has already shown she can bring the energy on both sides of the ball. Expect to see some big blocks and high flying finishes this season.”
Flowers’ collegiate career at SLU was nothing short of spectacular. As a two-time team captain, she played a crucial role in leading the Billikens to their first-ever Atlantic 10 Tournament Championship and NCAA Tournament berth in her final season. She also finished as the programme’s all-time leader in blocks with 398, a number that led the NCAA during that time.
Flowers’ defensive prowess earned her numerous accolades, including being named a semi-finalist for the prestigious Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award in 2022-23. She was also named the Atlantic 10 Conference Defensive Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons (2021-22 and 2022-23) and earned All-Conference honours.
In her most recent season with the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, Flowers showcased her all-round game, averaging 9.4 points and 8.5 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 55% from the field over 44 appearances.
On joining the Rebels, Brooke Flowers shared her thoughts:
“I am so grateful to be a Rebel! I look forward to starting a new journey with this team and I can’t wait to see where this season takes us!”
Fans can witness Flowers’ shot-blocking prowess when the Rebels kick off their 2024-25 season with a local derby against Ipswich in the SLBW Trophy on Saturday 5th October at the Essex Sport Arena.
Tickets for the Season Opener are now on sale. Secure your seats early for this not-to-be-missed local derby!
Stay tuned for more player announcements as we count down to what promises to be an exciting start to the new SLBW season! #UpTheRebs