The University of Arizona women’s basketball team looks to continue its red-hot start to the season as they play the NAU Lumberjacks on Friday, Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. in McKale Center.
Arizona so far
The Wildcats have started the season 3-0, winning the last two games by double digits. They’ll be looking to avenge last season, as the Wildcats lost both games to NAU, 71-69 and 92-75, respectively. However, there are some new faces in the facility looking to change that.
Lumberjacks to watch
Despite the Lumberjacks’ 1-4 record, the team has some gems to look out for. Redshirt freshman Naomi White leads the team in scoring, averaging almost 24 points a game to go along with five rebounds and 2.4 steals. Along with making an impact on the offensive side of the ball, White means a lot on the defensive side of the ball, as she has multiple blocks on the season.
With her explosive scoring, defensive versatility and ability to impact every layer of the game, White has quickly become NAU’s most dangerous all-around threat and a player Arizona must account for on every possession.
Another Lumberjack to look out for is senior guard Audrey Taylor, who averages 10 points per game along with two rebounds and three assists. She’s done a lot to impact the game on the defensive side of the ball, as well as make a big impact on inside scoring on the offensive side of the ball. With her balanced scoring, steady playmaking and strong defensive presence, Taylor provides NAU with a reliable two-way impact that makes her a key factor the Wildcats must prepare for.
Wildcats to watch
Graduate guard Mickayla Perdue is starting off the season averaging 21 points per game, including a 31-point performance against the University of California, Irvine. Perdue affects the game for the Wildcats in so many different ways when it comes to 3-point shooting, as shown when she hit a crucial 3-pointer in the quarter against UC Irvine. She compliments the team by simply how much attention she draws from a defense.
Perdue’s scoring, shooting range and ability to draw defensive attention make her the driving force behind Arizona’s early-season success and a key to the Wildcats’ momentum moving forward.
Off the bench, freshman forward Daniah Trammell is averaging 13.7 points per game and is a key player for Arizona. Trammell, standing at 6-foot-1, is fast and is making a huge impact when it comes to coming in and providing a spark off the bench. She also does a lot on the defensive side of the ball, protecting the paint and making things harder for opposing teams down low. With her energy, two-way impact and ability to change the game the moment she checks in, Trammell has quickly become one of Arizona’s most valuable spark plugs and a pivotal contributor to the Wildcats’ early success.
Graduate guard Noelani Cornfield is averaging five assists per game, including a season high already of 12 against UC Irvine. She forces the defense to respect her passing game, which opens up the lane to bucket for her down low. She’s a force to be reckoned with when the ball is in her hands. With her elite playmaking, ability to manipulate defenses and confidence attacking the lane, Cornfield has emerged as a steady, dynamic floor general who elevates Arizona’s offense every time she touches the ball.
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