Brianna Fraser wanted to take advantage of every last opportunity to play basketball as a high school baller before starting her collegiate career at Maryland.
The South Shore forward played in three all-star events after leading the Vikings to the program’s first-ever Public School Athletic League Class AA title and setting a state Federation tournament record with 46 points in a single game.
Her final game as a high school player was fittingly in Brooklyn as she scored seven points and grabbed nine rebounds to help the East Team to a 76–75 comeback victory over the West in the first-ever girls’ game at the Jordan Brand Classic on April 17 at Barclays Center.
“I’m taking it as the last time I’ll play in Brooklyn,” Fraser said. “I’m just trying to have fun.”
She controlled the glass in the first half and then found her scoring touch late in the game. Fraser connected on two beautiful turnaround jumpers, including one with 3:30 to play in the contest. It pulled the East within 67–65.
“It’s fun being in Brooklyn because I get to show Brooklyn what I can do, and I am leaving them off with a good taste,” Fraser said.
It was the last in a string of successful all-star game appearances. Fraser scored 10 points to help the East to victory at the McDonald’s All-American game in April 1 in Chicago. Playing with and against other Division I commits was good preparation for college in her mind. Then she came home to lead Brooklyn to the final of the Wheelchair Charities Classic. Fraser joked that she would keep playing events if she had a chance.
“It’s great to show you are among the best players in the nation,” Fraser said.
She enjoyed each unique experience — and getting to play both with and against future Maryland teammate Kiah Gillespie in the process. The McDonald’s game allowed her to get to know some of the nation’s best players, whom she had played against with the Gauchos on the travel-ball circuit. Fraser also got to visit the Ronald McDonald House for children with serious medical conditions. The trip wasn’t just about basketball for her.
“It shows the McDonald’s game isn’t just to show your talents,” Fraser said. “It’s for others too.”
It was the same case for the Wheelchairs Charities game. The proceeds from the contests benefit wheelchair-bound patients at the Henry “Hank” Carter Rehabilitation Center at Coler-Goldwater Hospital. Fraser felt the need to play even if the game isn’t as high profile the McDonald’s and Jordan events.
“I like to give back to my community,” Fraser said.
The last few weeks have been a fitting end to what has been a nearly perfect senior season for Fraser. She earned the elusive city crown, became her school’s first-ever McDonald’s All-American, and got to play on national television. Getting to compete once more at home and at Barclays Center was a cherry on top.
“It was great all my goals were accomplished,” Fraser said. “I feel excited.”
