Maddie Scherr and Jada Walker off to record-breaking starts

If the Kentucky women’s basketball team is hoping to have a record-breaking season, they’re off to a good start.

The Wildcats are on an extended break after going 1-1 in the Baha Mar Classic Pink Flamingo Championship last week. While the team isn’t dropping any new highlight plays, their jaw-dropping statistics continue to impress.

A dynamic duo

Junior guard Maddie Scherr leads the SEC in assists, dishing out 6.7 dimes per game. On the other side of the ball, Scherr’s backcourt partner-in-crime is equally deadly. Sophomore guard Jada Walker is averaging 3.8 steals per game, the most in the conference and third in the nation.

After Kentucky’s win over Dayton on Nov. 23, head coach Kyra Elzy discussed the importance of having such a talented duo handling the ball.

“When you can have a Maddie Scherr and Jada Walker — both point guards, different styles — it gives us different looks,” Elzy said after beating the Flyers. “Great to have them both on the floor.”

Maddie Scherr is an elite distributor

These two guards’ statistics are more than great — they’re historic. With 4.7 assists per game, Jazmine Massengill led Kentucky’s passing effort during the 2021-22 season; a whole two assists fewer than Scherr. This difference becomes even more impressive when you realize Massengill’s average was fantastic in its own right.

The former Kentucky point guard’s 4.7 assists per outing were the most since Janee Thompson averaged 4.8 assists per contest in the 2015-2016 season. If Scherr continues to distribute at this rate, she’ll break Patty Jo Hedges’ Kentucky WBB single-season record of 6.5 assists per game.

Jada Walker tears up the record book

Walker’s 3.8 steals a night tell a similar story. If Walker’s dynamic defense persists, she’ll break Leslie Nichols’ single-season (1980) record of 3.6 steals per game; not bad for a player who was snubbed from both preseason All-SEC teams a couple of months ago.

Elzy believes in her electric team leader.

“Jada is one of the best guards in this league, and we can’t worry about how people vote or what they say. Finished product, you do what you’re supposed to do, and at the end, you have a chance to make one of the All-SEC teams,” Elzy said on Nov. 13.

After an 11-day break, the Big Blue Nation will get to watch their two prized point guards on the court again. The ‘Cats take on UNC Greensboro at 1:00 p.m. EST on Sunday afternoon. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network+.