Brooke Paulson still has the green light, the freedom to launch shots from just about anywhere on the court – all aimed at netting another victory for her team.

But while most on the Plateau recall Paulson leading the White River Hornets to a series of state tournament appearances, she’s now wearing the colors of the St. Martin’s University Saints.

“It’s been great,” Paulson said of her first year of collegiate competition. “I love it. I love my team.”

Paulson was a four-year member of the White River varsity squad, contributing to a remarkable run of success built by coach Chris Gibson. She was always an outside threat, consistently connecting for double-figure scoring.

That was enough to prompt the Saints – and coach Tim Healy in particular – to come calling.

The former Hornet hasn’t disappointed.

Through games of Jan. 11, Paulson had played in all 16 of the Saints’ games and was the No. 3 scorer, averaging 5.5 points per outing. Her offensive highlight came Nov. 17 against Warner Pacific when she posted a team-high 20 points. She also third in field goals made and fourth in field goals attempted. Always a solid performer from the free-throw line, Paulson has continued to shine from the stripe, connecting on 26 of 31 attempts for an impressive .839 percentage. As the first player off the bench, she is fourth on the team in assists.

While Paulson’s offensive punch is much appreciated and her jump shot gives foes headaches, Paulson has had to make changes at the defensive end. Healy has different expectations than she experienced in high school and Paulson has had to adjust. That, she said, is the biggest difference she’s found from the prep scene.

While she’s enjoying her life as a spark plug off the Saints’ bench, Paulson has her eye on even more playing time. If things go as planned, she said, subsequent seasons will see her taking the floor as a member of the starting five.