Follett graduate Mollie Mounsey, left, and Gruver graduate Brennyn Seagler share a close friendship since their playing days at Seward County Community College. [Photos by Emporia State athletics and Hugh Scott]
They may not play basketball together at the same school anymore, however, former Texas Panhandle standout’s Mollie Mounsey and Brennyn Seagler are still each others biggest fans.
Mounsey, a Follett graduate, and Seagler, a Gruver grad, played together for two seasons, at Seward County Community College in 2017-2018, with their teams going a combined 63-7, winning back-to-back conference titles, while making two NJCAA Elite Eight appearances.
Both played huge roles for the Saints under former Seward coach Toby Wynn, who is now the head girls basketball coach at Emporia State.
Wynn says the dynamic duo are not only great players, but better student-athletes off the court.
“When Mollie and Brennyn got to Seward we put them as roommates,” said Wynn, a Booker graduate. “They instantly became best friends, and they are always there for each other.
“They are two of best teammates to have, and two great ambassadors for a program. They are ultimate student-athletes.”
Following their days at Seward, Mounsey and Seagler went in different directions.
Mounsey spent one season at Division I Colorado State before transferring to reunite with Wynn at Emporia State this year.
Seagler on the other hand, signed to continue her playing career at Oklahoma City University.
Both have flourished into top players for their programs.
Mounsey, the 2016 Amarillo Globe-News Girls Athlete of the Year, averages 15.9 points a game for a Lady Hornets (24-7 overall) team that is getting set to play in the NCAA Division II Central Regional. Not only is Mounsey a scoring machine, but she’s leaving her mark as one of the best to ever put on a uniform at Emporia. This season alone the senior is at the top all levels of the NCAA knocking down 94, 3-pointers at a 40.9 percent clip. At the MIAA Conference Tournament last weekend, Mounsey stitched her name in the record books by scoring a tournament record 87 points in three games.
“I’m extremely happy I came back to play for coach (Toby) Wynn at Emporia,” said Mounsey, who has made 417 career 3-point shots in four years. “It’s the best decision I’ve ever mad in my life. At Colorado State, I almost lost the love for basketball, but now I have it all back. The best part is, coach Wynn just let’s me be me on the floor and play my game.”
Seagler is a flat out winner, and the numbers don’t lie. Since Seagler was playing junior high basketball at Gruver to today, she has amassed an incredible record of 250-30. Seagler played for the Lady Hounds in a state tournament her junior year in 2015, made two Elite Eight’s at Seward, as well as helping lead OKC to the NAIA national championship last season.
So far during her senior year, Seagler, who’s OKC team is getting set for the NAIA Tournament, is a leader for the Stars, averaging 11 points, 7.7 rebounds to go with 4.6 assists per contest.
“I feel like I’m such a better all-around basketball player than I was when I stepped foot on campus at Seward,” said Seagler, who has played in 137 games in her college career. “I’m distributing the ball more, and I’ve developed my game from the outside. I’m way more of a shooting post. I love it here, and I’m glad I chose to come play at OKC.”
Mounsey and Seagler have benefitted from great seasons. Mounsey was a second-team All-MIAA selection in 2020, while Seagler earned honorable mention honors from the Sooner Athletic Conference. Seagler also took home a very prestigious honor this season, earning the SAC Sportsmanship Award.
“It was a true honor to get the sportsmanship award,” Seagler said. “That was a high honor, and it reflects on my character and how I was raised. I was so proud to earn that, as well as the other accolades.”
Follett graduate Mollie Mounsey, left, and Gruver graduate Brennyn Seagler share a close friendship since their playing days at Seward County Community College. [Provided photo]
Despite all the success and all the awards what’s most important to Mounsey and Seagler is their close-knit relationship. The two stay in touch on a daily basis, helping support each other the best way possible.
“Brennyn is the best person I’ve ever met in my life,” Mounsey said, “She’s selfless, and she’s amazing. She’s my bestfriend. We talk everyday and we know everything about each other. She is a talented player and she leads by example. Even to our Junior College days she’s been able to get me through tough times.
Seagler echoed Mounsey’s comment.
“Mollie is my best friend,” Seagler said. “We talk everyday. I’m so proud of her and what she is doing at Emporia. Just playing with her, she has great games all the time. She’s a pure shooter, a great defensive player. I couldn’t be prouder of her. I miss playing with her.”