Kalani Brown has been named ALL-USA First Team (Photo: Derick E. Hingle, USA TODAY Sports )
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VIDEO: Meet the ALL-USA First Team
PLAYER PROFILE:
Kalani Brown
School: Salmen, Slidell, La.
Year: Senior
Position: Center
Height: 6-5
College: Signed with Baylor
Details: Led her team to the state title game after winning state titles in 2013 and 2014. She averaged 23.0 points, 11.8 rebounds and 3.4 blocks. She is the daughter of former NBA player P.J. Brown and former Louisiana Tech player Dee Brown, who is an assistant coach at Salmen.
Toughest opponent: I played against Brittany Griner in a camp and back then, I was only 6-2.
Super power: To fly.
Biggest basketball influence: Probably my dad because I grew up watching him play. He didn’t exactly put the ball in my hand. I did a lot of different sports growing up, including horseback riding, dancing and cheerleading. I didn’t realize basketball was it for me until I hit a growth spurt.
Ignition point: My sophomore year when we won our first championship. That started my hunger.
Dress shoes or sneakers: A lot more dress shoes.
Biggest disappointment: I haven’t had a big disappointment. I take them all as lessons.
Favorite saying: Nothing will work if you don’t.
Favorite musicians: J. Cole and Rihanna.
Favorite teacher: Mrs. (Chanel Hawkins) at Salmen. She was my English teacher and now I have her for French Literature.
Hidden talents: I am good at volleyball and writing.
My teammates say: I guess I’m kind of the leader. I try to joke in practice.
My inspiration: Probably my mom. She always has a quote or two going forward. She’s a very good role model. It’s tough for her because you have to remember that you’re a coach and my mom. Sometimes it’s hard to separate them. She’ll always be my No. 1 fan.
First car: 2014 Grand Cherokee.
Basketball against dad: I’ve beaten him in 2-on-2 with me and my brother against my dad and my cousin.