Bishop McGuinness’ Brody Parks
By Elizabeth Contreras
Junior Brody Parks has been a key contributor for the Fighting Irish this season, showing versatility, leadership, and dedication both offensively and defensively. His ability to adapt to any role and impact the game from either side of the court have made him one of the team’s most dependable players.
“The first thing that drew me to basketball was my dad,” Parks shared. “I started playing when I was 3, and he’s definitely been the biggest influence on my basketball journey.”
Parks prides himself on being an all-around player with several key strengths, particularly as a scorer and defender. His commitment to growth means he’s always looking for ways to sharpen his skills.
“One skill I have worked hardest to improve is my mid-range shot,” he explained. “I did this by a lot of repeated reps.”
Parks has been described as a lockdown defender, employing constant pressure on opponents using relentless, high-intensity defense. His focus on constant improvement has helped him become a reliable scorer, complementing his natural ability to spread the floor.
Some of Parks’ standout performances include a season-high 19 points and six rebounds against Edmond Santa Fe in January 2025, and a December 2025 win over Duncan, where he recorded 12 points, six rebounds, and a career-high two blocks. These games showcase his scoring versatility and defensive prowess.
The demands of a high school athlete can sometimes be underestimated, and Parks said that balancing academics with athletics can be challenging.
“I think a lot of people don’t realize how hard it is trying to balance basketball with a very rigorous school schedule,” Parks said. “To balance school and basketball, I have to make sacrifices, sometimes in other things I want to do.” Despite the challenges, Parks stays forward focused with high ambitions.
Following repeated Final Four appearances, Parks and his teammates are focused on leading Bishop McGuinness to a long-awaited state title, a goal he says is top of the list this year.
Through it all, Parks stays grounded and focused on humility and refinement.
“To always stay humble and stay in the gym,” he said, is his approach to improvement both as a player and a person. His attitude reflects his belief that basketball builds character, not just skill.
As Parks prepares for the next chapter, his enduring loyalty to humility and hard work sets the tone for his future. Whether it’s chasing a state championship with the Fighting Irish or pursuing his dream of playing college basketball, Parks embodies the qualities of a natural leader, displaying a staunch dedication to putting the team above himself.
