PREVIEW: Kentucky WBB prepares for lone exhibition against Lee University

Though the Kentucky women’s basketball team’s first contest is only an exhibition, the ‘Cats are prepared to make a loud statement. On Thursday at 7 p.m., the Wildcats will take on the Lee University Lady Flames at Memorial Coliseum.

#BBN, Come on out to our exhibition against Lee University 𝐓𝐎𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐑𝐎𝐖 at 7 p.m. in Memorial!

Reminder: All bags must adhere to the UK Athletics clear bag policy and masks must be worn at all times unless actively eating or drinking.

Game day info > https://t.co/rBSrEQnzdw pic.twitter.com/dNoceWobag

— Kentucky WBB (@KentuckyWBB) November 3, 2021

The Lady Flames are a DII program, but they shouldn’t be taken lightly. Lee will be the perfect first test for the ‘Cats. Let’s get to know the opponent.

Learning about the Lady Flames

Lee is coming off a successful year. Led by Head Coach Marty Rowe, the Lady Flames went 15-8 last season and competed in the NCAA Tournament. While they didn’t make any waves in their postseason run, the squad did return a whopping 11 players. This group includes a few serious threats to the ‘Cats’ defense.

Leading the charge for the Lady Flames is Haley Schubert, who averaged 18.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. The All-American guard led her squad in all three of these major statistical categories. Though the guard only stands at 5-foot-7, she’ll provide an imposing defensive challenge to guards Jazmine Massengill and Jada Walker.

Kyra Elzy knows Schubert will be a challenge and she’s excited to see how her guards handle the test.

“Haley is very tough. Obviously, she can score in a variety of ways. She’s hitting the three — their leading scorer. So, that is a person we’re going to have to hone in defensively,” Elzy said during Wednesday’s media availability. “What I love that Jazmine and Jada can bring, they have a defensive mindset of picking the ball up; making sure we’re bringing pressure on the perimeter.”

Schubert undoubtedly is the star of Lee’s show, however, every star needs a solid supporting cast. Schubert has one. Sophomore Julia Duncan put on a show in her freshman campaign. The 5-foot-10 guard averaged 11.7 points per game. To pile on, Duncan was a menace on defense and led the team in steals.

Duncan wasn’t the only Lady Flame doing her part. Tennessee Tech transfer Hannah Garrett averaged 12.1 points per game. A sniper from deep, Duncan will have the ‘Cats on high alert all night. As a 6-foot forward, Duncan will be an excellent matchup for ‘Cats such as Dre’Una Edwards and Treasure Hunt.

Keys for a Kentucky WBB victory

While Lee shouldn’t be taken lightly, neither should the ‘Cats. With a full offseason behind them, the Wildcats are basically begging to be let off their leash. Thursday night they’ll get their wish.

Although the ‘Cats are certainly prepared, they’ll be facing adversity. Specifically, the ‘Cats will have to overcome the recent loss of senior Blair Green, who ruptured her Achilles tendon in a closed scrimmage against Eastern Kentucky University over the weekend.

Kyra Elzy confirms Blair Green will miss the 2021-22 season with the ruptured Achilles.

She also joked that Green said she "ended on a make" right after the injury. Green suffered the injury while landing from a jump shot. Elzy said that Green wanted to get back on the floor.

— Zack Geoghegan (@ZGeogheganKSR) November 3, 2021

Elzy spoke about the team’s mentality toward Green’s injury on Wednesday.

“It’s about committee; next man up. Right now, Emma [King] is playing extremely well. We’re counting on her to shoot the ball and playing with confidence. Robyn Benton becomes a big factor. She can play on both sides, but we’re counting on her offensive production, along with Treasure Hunt.

“It’s not going to be one person. It’s going to be by committee and we all have to step up, including the coaching staff. Everybody has to be accountable in order for this team to reach their goals.”

Names like King, Benton and Hunt weren’t too common last season, but they’ll be integral pieces of the team’s success this year. With only one player returning who averaged double digits in Rhyne Howard, the ‘Cats are looking for new sources of scoring.

Elzy intends on finding this scoring through trying multiple lineups during Thursday night’s game. Versatility has been a talking point all summer for the ‘Cats, Thursday night fans will see if the hype is legitimate.

“The fun thing about this team: we’re so versatile. We play position-less basketball for a reason,” Elzy said. “We will play with some different lineups, depending on what we’re trying to do defensively and that is the luxury of having versatility.”

The ‘Cats will have to use their versatility tomorrow against the less athletic Lady Flames. With only two players above 6-foot, Lee certainly isn’t towering over anybody. While the Kentucky women’s basketball team plans to do some trial-and-error tests against Lee, you can bet they’ll be attacking the contest with the same competitive spirit as always.

Final Thoughts

If the ‘Cats play to their potential, they shouldn’t have anything to worry about. This contest serves as a solid foundation for a strong season. Things to watch will be the team’s conditioning, lineups and style of play.

Lee is a respectable squad, but with any luck, Kentucky will easily extinguish the Lady Flames. The game will tip-off at 7 p.m. in Memorial Coliseum on Thursday evening. We’ll see you there.