Vicky Graff Photo
It was just an exhibition game victory over Kentucky State but Kentucky coach Kyra Elzy is hoping it will be just what Emma King needs to have a productive season. King came back for a fifth season and had her best statistical game at UK in the 88-71 win Wednesday.
She had 12 points on 4-for-7 shooting from the field and 4-for-4 at the foul line in her 22 minutes of play. King, a knockdown shooter in high school, went 0-for-2 from 3 but more than compensated with three rebounds, two assists, a team-high two blocks, and one steal.
King also had only one turnover in the exhibition game win.
Elzy once again called King a “glue piece” for the team after the win.
“I tell her when you come in your job is to make open shots. You have the green light, the 3 is open, let it fly,” Elzy said. “She’s put in the work. She always has. Then make hustle plays. You keep us together.”
Elzy also hopes it was a confidence-building game for senior forward Ajae Petty. She led Kentucky with a double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds. She was 8-for-10 from the field. Petty also recorded two assists, two steals and one block in 28 minutes while providing UK with a needed post presence.
Elzy said Petty was the team MVP all summer and is “just a different” player this season.
“She’s committed to getting in shape. She’s changed her mindset open to coaching and it’s really paid off. She’s done a lot, she’s fun to coach, and playing with a chip on her shoulder,” Elzy said. “We need her to stay right where she is.”
Petty admitted she was still learning to play with Kentucky’s guards and knowing when to get them the ball out of double teams.
“That’s an opportunity for other people to score. Knowing that they are coming to double me, I can kick the ball back to Saniah (Tyler) who has been doing well with the way she has been shooting,” Petty said. “I can get the ball to her, Maddie Scherr or BK (Brooklyn Miles), or any of the guards that are on the floor.”
Petty also likes the way Miles, a Tennessee transfer and Frankfort native, passes the ball in the open court on the fast break.
“It makes me want to work harder because I know she’s working hard for me. That goes back to how the team has a great connection. You’re playing for the other person beside you and not just yourself,” Petty said.
