PREVIEW: Kentucky WBB takes on Wofford, the projected top team in the SoCon

On By Littum

Kentucky took care of business in their first two games, handily beating USC Upstate and Northern Kentucky. Now they will look to take care of business again when they take on the Wofford Terriers.

This marks Kentucky’s final quote-unquote tune-up game before taking on No. 18 Louisville on Saturday in what will be a massive, massive opportunity for the ‘Cats.

Of course, looking ahead doesn’t do anyone any good, so here’s what you need to know about Kentucky’s opponent ahead of tonight’s game.

Bio Blast

On Tuesday, Kentucky Women’s Basketball faces the 2-0 Wofford Terriers, who are coming off dominant wins over Newberry College and North Carolina Central University. Last year, the Terriers finished 17-13 (8-6 SoCon) and are now projected to finish first in their conference after receiving seven of eight first-place votes. Senior guard Rachael Rose was named the SoCon Preseason Player of the Year, but has only played in the season opener for the Terriers.

Projected Starters (Lineup Used Nov. 9)

  • #2 – Maddie Heiss: 5-foot-10 sophomore guard
  • #3 – Evangelia Paulk: 6-foot sophomore forward/guard
  • #5 – Helen Matthews: 5-foot-10 graduate guard
  • #10 – Libby Privett: 5-foot-8 junior guard
  • #21 – Mia Flor: 6-foot-2 junior forward

On Nov. 9, as a team, the Terriers went 25-52 (48%) from the field and 4-13 (30%) from three. Maddie Heiss led her team in scoring with 16 points, as well as four rebounds and one assist. Helen Matthews wasn’t far behind, finishing with 15 points and four rebounds, plus two assists. In fact, every player who hit the floor scored at least one point, including freshman guard Madi Hawk, who played just three minutes. Wofford scored 34 points in the paint and held NC Central to just 18-54 (33%) from the field. However, the perimeter defense was not as tidy as the Terriers made eight three-pointers out of 17 attempts. Considering the Wofford roster lacks height, it seems Clara Strack and Clara Silva could have another big game.

Scouting report

Leading the way for Wofford this season (at least through the team’s first two games) is sophomore Maddie Heiss. The 5-foot-10 guard has led the Terriers in scoring in both games, averaging 13.5 points per game. competition to this point.

A year ago, Heiss put up 10.7 points per game. game while shooting 34.8% from deep, so Kentucky will have to be aware of where she is defensively.

Against North Carolina Central, senior guard Helen Matthews scored 15 points on 5-10 shooting from the field while also recording four rebounds, three steals and two assists in 30 minutes of action.

Preseason SoCon Player of the Year Rachael Rose averaged 22.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 2.1 steals per game a year ago. With just four points to his name this season, Rose will have a big game. Let’s just hope it doesn’t come against the ‘Cats.

Projected Kentucky starters

#3 – Georgia Amoore

5-FOOT-6 – GUARD – EDUCATION STUDENT

12 PPG – 9 APG – 5.5 RPG

#7 – Teonni Key

6-FOOT-4 – FORWARD – JUNIOR

9 PPG – 6 RPG – 2.5 APG

#10 – Dazia Lawrence

5-FOOT-8 – WEIGHT – REDSHIRT SENIOR

9.5 PPG – 2 APG – 1 SPG

#13 – Clara Strack

6-FOOT-5 – CENTER – SOPHOMORE

18.5 PPG – 9.5 RPG – 5 APG

#32 – Amelia Hassett

6-FOOT-3 – FORWARD – JUNIOR

9.5 PPG – 12.5 RPG – 2 BPG

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