A well-timed addition to a Zags frontcourt seeking depth
No. 32 recruit Bree Salenbien has committed to Gonzaga for the 2021-22 season, she announced on Twitter on Tuesday.
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“So excited to run with the ZAGS!” Salenbien wrote. “Thank you Lord for all the blessings, thank you to all my coaches, family-teammates, and community. See you at the Kennel!!”
The 6’3 wing out of Lenawee Christian School in Adrian, Michigan, the top-ranked school in its division, is the three-time Michigan AP Division 4 Player of the Year. Bree Salenbien led the Cougars to two state titles, and while a third wasn’t out of the question, this year’s regional final was suspended.
But even before the coronavirus took hold of winter sports, Salenbien’s junior season was cut short when she tore her ACL in Lenawee Christian’s last game of the regular season. She had surgery in April.
Her coach (who’s also her dad) said her leadership and basketball IQ would take Lenawee Christian far, despite her absence from the court.
so excited to run with the ZAGS! 💙❤️ Thank you Lord for all the blessings, thank you to all my coaches, family-teammates, and community. See you at the Kennel!! @ZagWBB pic.twitter.com/bmBfgixpIa
— Bree Salenbien (@breesal_35) May 12, 2020
At Gonzaga, Bree Salenbien looks to fit in seamlessly with a team that will be in need of extra height with the graduation of Jenn and LeeAnne Wirth next spring. Jenn led the Zags in rebounds in 2019-20, while she and LeeAnne were the team’s third- and fourth-best scorers, respectively.
Salenbien averaged 20.6 points and 10.5 rebounds this past season, while also collecting three or more assists, steals, and blocks per game. She can also shoot 3-pointers, making 123 across her three seasons (an area where the Wirths aren’t as prolific).
“It’s the perfect fit for her,” her dad said. “It’s been such a cool journey.”
About 20 other programs made Bree Salenbien offers, including DePaul, Maryland, UCLA, and North Carolina.
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