PREVIEW: Kentucky WBB set to take on Kentucky State in Rupp Arena

For the first and only time this season, the Kentucky women’s basketball team will play in an exhibition game, taking on the Kentucky State Thorobreds later this morning at 11:00 a.m. EST inside of Rupp Arena. This will be the only look that we’ll get at the team before they tip off the regular season against ETSU on November 7th.

Unfortunately, the game will not be televised, but it will be featured on 630 AM WLAP and on the UK Sports Network. Tickets are free of charge (as is parking) for those who wish to check out Kyra Elzy’s 2023-24 squad in person.

Here’s what you can expect from the Lady Cats for today’s exhibition.

Saniah Tyler emerging as a potential leading scorer

Of course, Maddie Scherr and Ajae Petty are expected to be the two primary contributors on this team, and understandably so. However, if this team is going to improve on last year’s underwhelming 12-19 record, then they need some other players to step up. Enter sophomore guard Saniah Tyler.

As seen at Big Blue Madness, Tyler has been given the green light to shoot whenever she feels like it’s the time to. All throughout the summer, Tyler has shown improvement in her scoring ability. She can make the right cuts, navigate screens, and ultimately set herself up for a bucket.

Against Kentucky State, expect Saniah Tyler to take and make several threes. If Kentucky can open up their offense with a scoring threat from the perimeter, that can only bode well for them. Expect some on- and off-the-ball screens so that Tyler can create an open shot. Will the offense completely run through her? Probably not. But do expect to see a few plays drawn up for her to score.

Adopting a “run and gun” mentality in transition and on offense

One of the biggest things that Kyra Elzy has preached to her team is tempo. Elzy wants to get her team up and going, especially in transition. Last season, there were a lot of glaring weaknesses the team had, but scoring in transition was probably one of the most prominent. Kentucky actually finished 12th in the country last season in turnovers forced per game (20.35), but they just couldn’t finish on the other end.

Summer workouts and practices have been very hard on the team. Elzy implements A LOT of conditioning in her drills. During the open practice that the team held, Elzy had players doing burpees, suicides, and really anything they could to get going. Elzy clearly wants to build on the team’s success at creating turnovers last season.

By bringing in former three-star recruit Brooklynn Miles from Tennessee, Kentucky added what they needed to make Elzy’s style of play work. Miles is an excellent on-ball defender who can get a steal and do some playmaking in transition. Her acquisition also allows Maddie Scherr to play the two, which will only help Scherr wreak havoc on offense. Expect to see a lot of opportunities in transition for the Lady Cats against Kentucky State.

What to expect from the exhibition matchup

For starters, expect senior guard Maddie Scherr to be the leader of the team. The former Oregon transfer is the only player on the current roster with at least one 20-point game at Kentucky. She returns to the team after leading the ‘Cats in rebounds, assists, and blocks last season. Scherr could be the one calling the plays, making the moves, and finding her girls at the post. Specifically, senior forward Ajae Petty.

Expect Petty to have an impressive season this year after her intense, hard-worked offseason. From what we’ve seen, Petty is stronger and faster. But, she’s also mentally tougher and could be the player that her teammates look at for some aggressive points.

Also expect newcomer Brooklynn Miles to join the starting lineup (alongside Scherr, Petty, Tyler, and Zennia Thomas). The 5’6 Kentucky native transferred from Tennessee this past season. Miles has stood out from her teammates because of her quickness and agility. The guard has the crucial ability to find the open shot and rush to the basket.

Although grad student Emma King isn’t expected to start, expect to see her come off the bench when the team needs to tank some three-pointers. It’s the same story with sophomore Cassidy Rowe. The guard showed her ability to consistently drain three-pointers in practice, so it’s expected we’ll see the same during a game.

Overall, the Lady Cats look to be in good shape heading into their first matchup of the season. Kentucky State’s first-year head coach Amani Williams will come out guns a-blazing, ready to defeat the ‘Cats. Elzy’s 12-woman squad has prepared all offseason for this moment, and it’s almost time to see what Kentucky can really do. The Wildcats and the Thorobreds tip off this morning at 11:00 a.m. EST at Rupp Arena.