KSR's 3 bright spots from Kentucky WBB's shining season
Although the clock struck midnight early for Kentucky Women’s Basketball this season, the dance was still memorable.
On March 19, the Wildcats’ season came to an end in a 69-62 loss to Princeton. With the defeat, Kentucky finished with a 19-12 record in Kyra Elzy’s second year as head coach. In comparison, the ‘Cats went 18-9 in Elzy’s rookie head coaching campaign last season.
The ending wasn’t what BBN had hoped for. Nonetheless, let’s look back on some of the best moments of the season.
Kentucky takes the conference crown
The undeniable pinnacle of this year was Kentucky winning the SEC Tournament title for the first time since 1982. After beginning conference play 2-8, the ‘Cats rattled off 10-straight wins. The final four wins of this improbable stretch were in the SEC Tournament, three of which were against ranked opponents, concluding with No. 1 ranked South Carolina.
The win was validation for Elzy. Despite plenty of injuries and off-court issues, critics blamed Elzy for the team’s lack of success in conference play. The moment Dre’una Edwards’ unforgettable buzzer beater sunk through the net, the naysayers disappeared.
For Elzy, the moment couldn’t have been sweeter.
“I’ve won it as a student-athlete, I’ve won it as an assistant coach, and now winning it as a head coach, and to be your first, this will be a memory that I will never forget,” Elzy said following Kentucky’s win over South Carolina in the SEC championship.
Elzy’s leadership through Kentucky’s awe-inspiring season won’t be forgotten, as well. In a special episode of SEC Inside, viewers could listen to Elzy draw up Kentucky’s game-winning play. Her plan worked to perfection. The rest is history.
Rhyne Howard doesn’t disappoint in final run
All good things must come to end, and there may not be a better thing for Kentucky Women’s Basketball than Rhyne Howard. The star is a two-time SEC Player of the Year, Associated Press First-Team All-American and the 2022 SEC Tournament MVP.
Howard was one of only two Kentucky players to not miss a game this season. Additionally, Howard led the team in minutes, playing a career-high 35.3 minutes per game. Howard made the most of her time. In her senior season, Howard averaged 20.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists per contest.
She’s plenty proud to be a Wildcat.
“I wouldn’t change it for the world. I love all of [my teammates and coaches],” Howard said after Kentucky’s loss to Princeton in the NCAA Tournament. “They gave their all for me today and this season.”
The 6-foot-2 guard made endless memories in her final year as a Wildcat. Howard became Kentucky’s second all-time leading scorer, surpassing UK legend Dan Issel. Additionally, Howard had a record-breaking 32-point performance in her final game at Memorial Coliseum.
The Cleveland, TN native will make one final memory with BBN on April 11 in the WNBA Draft. Howard is projected as a top-3 draft pick.
Jada Walker is a rising star
Kentucky only had one freshman this year, and she sure didn’t disappoint. Jada Walker averaged 10.4 points on 35.5% shooting from beyond the arc this season. Along with Howard, Walker played in all 31 of Kentucky’s contests this season, starting in 22 of them.
Elzy never stopped praising Walker. The head coach would refer to Walker as “competitive,” “high-IQ,” and a “coach’s kid.” These intangibles culminated in UK’s postseason run. In the SEC Tournament, Walker contributed 10.3 points per outing, including a 21-point explosion against Mississippi State.
To pile on, the 5-foot-7 guard received the best endorsement she could ask for.
“Jada has done this before, so it’s not a surprise to me. I know that she can continue to play like this, and it’s great to have a freshman as confident as she is,” Howard said after Kentucky’s win against Mississippi State in the conference tournament.
Along with Howard, Kentucky fans look forward to Walker’s future. While the ‘Cats didn’t reach their ultimate goal this year, they left BBN with an unforgettable season.
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