BENTON — Brooklyn Kuchinski may be listed as a 5-foot-9 guard, but the Class of 2026 standout plays wherever she is needed.
The Benton junior is averaging 17.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.3 steals per game this season. She is shooting 38% from 3-point range, 45% from the field and 73% from the free-throw line. In conference play, Kuchinski is averaging 24 points per game and has been named player of the game in every conference contest so far this season.
Kuchinski has also found success on the AAU circuit, winning multiple championships, including the HoopPlay 2025 National Championship, 2025 HSSE Championship, Game Changer Sports Championship, Bad Boys Nationals Championship, Hop Step Sporting Events Championship and the ASE Championship. She has competed with the SC Heat alongside former WNBA player Shameka Christon and her brother, Juanie.
Kuchinski began her high school career at Bryant before transferring to Benton.
Her love of the game began at home.
“When I was younger, my dad and I would watch basketball on TV, then I started watching UConn women’s basketball,” Kuchinski said.
She said the sport has shaped more than just her skills on the court.
“Basketball has built my character, taught me accountability, it’s taught me to stay consistent even on the days I really don’t feel like it, and I love having something that pushes me to work harder every day,” she said.
Before each game, Kuchinski follows a simple routine.
“Every game I listen to my music, and I go over to my dad, and he gives me a little pep talk,” she said.
Benton head coach Jerry Chumley said her preparation shows in practice.
“Brooklyn’s work ethic in practice is impressive. She doesn’t take a drill off. It’s why she has so much success in games, because she practices at game speed. Of all the things she does well, that’s the thing I love about her most,” Chumley said.
Kuchinski said leadership is a priority as she works to help guide the Lady Panthers.
“In practice, I push them the hardest, make sure to give my teammates high fives and keep them lifted. I utilize and understand my team’s strengths,” she said. “We have to play one game at a time, trust in the coach, and win the games we aren’t supposed to.”
Kuchinski models her game after Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers. She comes from a basketball family, with relatives who played at the high school level.
Off the court, her favorite color is pink and her favorite food is chicken alfredo. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, listening to music and watching movies.
She is still weighing her college options and plans to study criminal justice or pursue a sports-related field.