Maddie Scherr has the "it" factor that coach Kyra Elzy really likes. (Vicky Graff Photo)
It was just an exhibition game but still it was obvious that Oregon transfer Maddie Scherr has unique abilities that are going to help Kentucky a lot this season.
The junior guard had 13 points on 5-for-7 shooting, including 2-for-2 from 3-point range, in the 93-45 victory over Pikeville Wednesday. She also had three rebounds, three assists, three blocks and two steals in the kind of stat-stuffing game she likely will have a lot this season.
“When I say she has ‘it’, she’s tough as nails, she is a competitor to the ‘nth’ degree, and she has a high basketball IQ so she has a great feel,” said Kentucky coach Kyra Elzy after the game.
“She knows when to push, she knows when to create for others, she knows when it’s time to take over and score but just her competitive spirit is different.”
Scherr, a Ryle High School graduate, felt great getting to play in her first UK game in front of home state fans.
“Obviously, I’m a hometown girl, so just being able to wear Kentucky across my chest was great. Getting to play under the lights with the fans and stuff. It was just a great feeling and super fun,” she said.
“I think we all did really well. Coming into this, you know we scouted them really well and took them seriously. We just wanted to really work on things together and figure things out from top to bottom with my teammates. My teammates made it really easy for me to be honest.”
LSU transfer Ajae Petty led Kentucky in scoring with 15 points on 7-for-10 shooting and also had six rebounds and four steals.
“I thought Ajae Petty was solid for us tonight, her ability to score inside,” Elzy said.
Returning starters Robyn Benton and Jada Walker had 14 points apiece and were a combined 13 of 24 from the field (both played under 20 minutes).
Buffalo transfer Adebola Adeyeye had 15 rebounds in 18 minutes of play along with eight points.
The Wildcats forced 25 turnovers and limited Pikeville to 21 percent shooting.
“We wanted to keep our defense intensity throughout the entire game, which you know can be difficult,” Scherr said. “We got up pretty quick in the beginning but I think we did a good job with reminders to just be intense because we want to push the ball in transition.”
“That’s another thing, we got the ball up the floor. A good majority of our points were layups and that’s from just pushing the ball in transition and that’s definitely how we want to play.”
Photos by Vicky Graff
