Maddie Scherr is growing comfortable in conference play

Maddie Scherr’s recent performances have been nothing short of electrifying, and the energy is starting to spread.

Scherr is stuffing the stat sheet this season, averaging 10.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and five assists per game. The 5-foot-11 guard is doing her diligence on defense, too. Scherr records 2.2 steals per outing, the second-most in the SEC. Additionally, Scherr has a team-high 17 blocks.

Things you 💙 to see…

The SEC's top three in steals per game:

1. @jadawalkr11 2.44
2. @madd1escherr 2.22
3. @IAmRobynnnn 2.06#GameOn 🍪🥛 pic.twitter.com/uAbMYppkf1

— Kentucky Women’s Basketball (@KentuckyWBB) January 18, 2023

Hitting new levels

Despite the Kentucky native’s already-impressive resume, she has taken her game to a new level lately. Over Kentucky’s past three contests, Scherr is averaging 21.7 points. She isn’t stomping slouches, either. This three-game explosion has come against No. 3 LSU, No. 1 South Carolina and a solid Florida squad.

Head coach Kyra Elzy discussed her junior guard’s poise and how it affects her teammates.

“She brings us a calmness. Quiet confidence. She doesn’t say a lot, but when she does, [her teammates] do listen,” Elzy said during the Kyra Elzy Show on Monday. “When [opponents] make the run, I look over and she’s like, ‘We’re OK, Coach.'”

Maddie Scherr loves a challenge

While Scherr isn’t a veteran Wildcat, she has plenty of experience. In two seasons with Oregon, the 2020 Kentucky Miss Basketball started 32 games. Nonetheless, Scherr didn’t post anywhere near the numbers she has at UK. Perhaps her competitive nature has been the difference this season.

“Even with her quiet confidence, she has a competitive spirit. She is not going to back down, and you need that from your veteran guard,” Elzy said.

CATS ON TOP. 😤@madd1escherr pic.twitter.com/BdKjSHxltV

— Kentucky Women’s Basketball (@KentuckyWBB) January 15, 2023

Scherr’s passionate play is evident. The former McDonald’s All-American crashes to the floor for loose balls, chase-down blocks opponents and only improves against more difficult foes. Scherr enjoys adversity, and she ensured BBN knew it from the start.

“People are probably going to count us out. Me and Kyra had those conversations,” Scherr said on Oct. 5 at Kentucky Women’s Basketball Media Day. “People are already counting us out. We were talking about the other day that we love that. There’s not a better position to be.“

After an 0-5 start to conference play, Kentucky is undoubtedly an underdog. However, after a win against Florida, perhaps this is where Scherr and the ‘Cats want to be. They certainly played like it on Sunday.