NEW SHARON – North Mahaska senior Breckyn Schilling will be taking her basketball talents to Western Colorado University in Gunnison, Colo. Schilling was one of four players signed by the NCAA D-II school including Ankeny’s Finley Blackmore.
Schilling signed on Wednesday with her family, coaches and teammates watching. She is the ninth player coach L.E. Moore has sent to the next level.
“Breckyn is just a great individual that has had this in her sights since she could dribble a ball,” said Moore. “She has put a lot of time into working and traveling and to get better. It shows that the athlete that is well-rounded gets noticed.
“She did not specialize in any sport and worked hard in being a good student athlete. I am very proud of her and her family. I know she would thank her teammates that have been with her throughout grade school into high school.”
Entering her final season as a Warhawk, Schilling has played in 70 games starting all but two. In her career she has scored 1,112 points, averaging 15.8 points per game with 351 rebounds (5.0 ppg), 254 assists (3.62 apg) and collecting 214 steals and 50 blocks.
Schilling has been named to the first team all-South Iowa Cedar League all three years including a unanimous selection as a sophomore. She earned a spot on the Southeast all-district team twice in 1A and last season in Class 2A. She earned an all-state second team nod by the Iowa Girls Coaches Association in 1A (2022-23) and 2A last season. She was third team all-state by the Iowa Sportswriters Association.
Schilling said Western Colorado made her an offer early in the process.
“This was my first offer, they offered me on the first contact,” said Schilling. “We went out to visit and I accepted on my second visit. An assistant saw me at Upper Iowa and called and made the offer. That was a year and a half ago.”
The North Mahaska senior had been on Western’s radar before they made contact.
“Our staff had conversations with contacts we have in Iowa about certain kids and Breckyn’s name came up as someone that would be really good in college and may have some interest,” said Western Colorado head coach Adam Jacobson. “We then proceeded to see her play in a variety of AAU events, starting in the spring of 2023, she then came to our Elite Camp that same year, and finally, we watched her in July of 2023, as well. So, we got many opportunities to see her and evaluate her and we liked what we saw.”
Schilling said she went through the recruiting process, but nothing compared to what Western had to offer. He said she will go out in June for an elite camp then return home before moving to Gunnison in August.
“My goal was to get this done before (the season) so I could focus on the season,” said Schilling.
Schilling was involved in three sports this fall including volleyball, cross country and dance. She is also in chorus and student council. Her ability to excel in each of the activities shows her tenacity to make the best of the situation.
Jacobson said Schilling’s multiple assets will benefit his team.
“Breckyn is a great young lady, first and foremost, so well rounded and seems to be good at all of the things she’s involved with, which includes basketball,” said Jacobson. “She is extremely well liked and respected by her peers, which is a big deal, and finally, as I mentioned above, she is a heck of a basketball player.
“Her size and athleticism are really great for the skill set she possesses, and I think that skill set will only improve as she matures and gets used to the college game. We can’t wait to work with her.”
Jacobson said her multiple sport ability was also an attraction.
“Multi-sport athletes are always attractive because of their ability to show a level adaptability that you will need as you move on to college and play at a much higher level than high school because it’s much harder and more challenges tend to arise,” said Jacobson. “Is it a must, absolutely not, but we definitely love that she has done so much and done well in so much, speaks a ton about her abilities and character.”
Schilling has been an key part of North Mahaska basketball for four years.
“She will be hard to replace with her skills and leadership,” said assistant coach Tara Grier, who has coached her since second grade. “She has put in the work to get better in all areas of her game. She is just so versatile opponents don’t know what to expect she’ll do next.”
Nine other girls have gone on to the next level including Mallory Boyle, Kate Ray, Abby Agan, Kassidy Steel, Jade Hay, Cheyenne Shaw, Layla Hargis, Brianna Fogel and Schilling’s sister Addie.
“I think girls have seen them play at the next level and it shows how strong our programs are here at North Mahaska,” said Grier.
