Zoe Best’s journey from high school powerhouse to collegiate standout at SEMO

When Zoe Best stepped onto the court for Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) Women’s Basketball this season, she brought more than just talent—she brought a winning pedigree.

A 2024 graduate of Incarnate Word Academy in Bel-Nor, Missouri, Best was a key player in one of the nation’s most dominant high school basketball programs.

The 5’10” freshman guard is now carving her own path in the collegiate ranks, quickly emerging as one of the Ohio Valley Conference’s (OVC) most promising newcomers.

The jump from high school to Division I basketball is no easy feat, but for Best, the transition has been smoother than expected.

“It hasn’t been as difficult as I thought. Obviously, college sports and high school sports are very different,” Best said. “College [basketball] feels more like a job. You eat, live, see and breathe basketball… but coming from such a strong high school, college has not been that bad of adjusting."

At Incarnate Word, Best was part of a historic win streak and multiple state championships.

From February 2020 to January 2025, the program won 141 consecutive games, outscored opponents 9,718 to 5,113 and won five Class 6 state championships.

According to Incarnate Word head coach Dan Rolfes, it wasn’t just the wins that prepared Zoe for the next level—it was how the team prepared to win.

“Our program really emphasizes attention to detail. How we scout and prepare for games helps with the IQ portion of it, so college basketball isn’t completely brand new for kids like Zoe,” Rolfes said. “The expectations of our program—winning every game, playing under pressure, and competing against a national schedule—set the bar for kids.”

That experience, she says, gave her the foundation to succeed at the next level.

“It definitely prepared me. We practiced like a college. We prepared like a college. We did all the little things that it takes to win,” Best said. “I just came from a winning program, and I have a winning mindset.”

Coach Rolfes echoed that sentiment, describing Zoe as a competitor with unmatched determination.

“She’s just a competitor who has the desire to win games,” Rolfes said. “You match that with her skill set, size, and athleticism, and you’re seeing the results right now.

That mindset is already making an impact. Best has earned OVC Freshman of the Week honors twice this season, averaging 14.7 points per game while shooting 37.4% from beyond the arc.

She showcased this scoring in the season opener against Dayton, dropping a season-high 25 points. Currently, she leads the team in scoring, with a 100-point cushion over the next closest player.

Her ability to score, distribute the ball, and create opportunities for her teammates has been a key factor for the Redhawks, despite the team’s challenges this season with a 4-15 record.

“She came in here with high standards,” SEMO head coach Briley Palmer said. “I know we’ve been through some adversities and she’s really been tested for a freshman. She’s had to act like a big girl right from the jump, and I think having that background and that culture helped her make the right decisions to be the vocal leader that we need.”

Coach Palmer is confident that Best’s game will only continue to evolve.

“Zoe’s really becoming a good shooter. She’s a kid that really knows the game — a high IQ. She can make smart plays, and she’s strong,” Palmer said.

For Best, success comes down to putting in extra work. She spends additional hours in the gym working on scoring off the dribble, finishing through contact, and improving her free-throw percentage, areas she says are her main focus this season.

Her teammates have noticed her dedication. Sophomore guard Indiya Bowen, who has taken Best under her wing, admires both her work ethic and her personality.

“I already knew when she came in she was a hard worker,” Bowen said. “Physically, she’ll knock down any open shot. But she’s also a great fit for our team— we’re all funny, goofy, joking around. She does the same.”

Despite the team’s ups and downs this season, Best remains optimistic about the Redhawk’s future.

“Every game, I try to stay locked in and do whatever it takes to put my team in the best position to win,” Best said.

As the season progresses, Coach Palmer hopes to see Best become even more of a two-way player, contributing on the boards and guarding top scorers.

“She has the length and ability to be a great rebounder and defender,” Palmer said. “I want her to be more of a threat on the rebounds… and then I really want her to continue to be able to guard the best players and not be worried about foul trouble… she’s usually pretty smart about that.”

Best's journey continues with 10 games remaining on the schedule, including a home contest on Jan. 30 against UT Martin.