Freshman forward Brooklyn Schilb arrived at St. Charles East with much fanfare. The 6-foot Schilb was expected to immediately enter the Saints’ lineup and make a difference. Her first test was Waubonsie Valley, which finished fourth last season in Class 4A. All Schilb did was score a team-high 17 points in a 77-61 loss, showing she was ready for the varsity level. “I was definitely nervous coming out, but I was able to see that I could hold my own and make an impact,” Schilb said. “It helped me be confident.” The Saints are more than happy to have her. The only two losses for St. Charles East (7-2) are to Waubonsie (10-1). Schilb leads the Saints in scoring this season, averaging 14.6 points. “It’s been wonderful,” St. Charles East coach Katie Claussner said. “You can just tell from the success she’s had on the court how great it’s been going. “What’s great is this is just her starting point. We’re excited to see where she can take it.” Schilb has lofty goals for her career, as should be expected. “I am hoping to play at a Division I level in college,” Schilb said. “I’m trying to focus on what I’m doing now, but that is one of my goals and I’m going to work hard to get to that point.” St. Charles East’s Brooklyn Schilb (5) and Corinne Reed (35) go for the ball against Waubonsie Valley during the York Thanksgiving Tournament in Elmhurst on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. (Nate Swanson / The Beacon-News) That’s one of the attributes Claussner has been impressed with so far this season. Not only is Schilb supremely talented, she’s also one of the team’s hardest workers. “Especially in this day and age, it’s hard to get the hustle player,” Claussner said. “That must be something she’s born with.” Instead of relying on her talent alone, Schilb takes pride in doing the little things her team needs, aside from her obvious skills. “I am very high effort,” Schilb said. “I’ll do whatever I can to help my team, whether that’s getting a stop, getting a rebound. “I know where I want to go, my goals, and I need to continue to work and continue to put in the effort.” St. Charles East’s Brooklyn Schilb (5) shoots a free throw against Waubonsie Valley during the York Thanksgiving Tournament in Elmhurst on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. (Nate Swanson / The Beacon-News) Her acceptance at the varsity level was due to several factors. Her talent stood out immediately. The fact that she knew her teammates coming into the season helped as well. Her sister Addie, a junior guard, is a varsity returnee. Kathlyn Bainbridge, their cousin, is the other freshman to make the varsity. “I watched a lot of the games last year and I knew the girls because of Addie,” Brooklyn Schilb said. “It’s nice having a buddy (Bainbridge) and have somebody to talk to.” Addie Schilb has been happy to help her younger sister get acclimated at the varsity level. “It’s fun playing with somebody I’ve known my whole life,” Addie said. “It’s the first time we’ve played together. “The seniors all know Brooklyn. I’ve been really proud of her. It’s been so much fun to see her do well so far this season.” St. Charles East’s Brooklyn Schilb (5) drives for a layup against Waubonsie Valley during the York Thanksgiving Tournament in Elmhurst on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. (Nate Swanson / The Beacon-News) Brooklyn’s forte is getting to the basket. Her outside shot, a big emphasis, is still developing. She knows when she can lock down that portion of the game down, she will be even more dangerous. “That is something that I’ve been working a lot on,” Schilb said. “As of right now, it’s not where I want it to be, but hopefully it’s something in the future that can be a thing for me.” Claussner also has no doubt that Schilb get to that point. “I think where she is most comfortable is driving to the basket,” Claussner said. “When she gets people into the paint, she’s almost unstoppable. “If she can knock down the outside shot consistently, she’ll be able to get to the rim at will.” Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.