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With a year of college basketball under their belt, sophomores come into their second season with a much better understanding of the pace, physicality, and intensity of the game. They’ve also had more time to hone their skills, build their strength, and become mentally tougher. This growth and development are particularly important to being a top reserve for their teams because these players have to quickly adjust to the flow of the game, limit their mistakes, and produce results. This week, we highlight six power five sophomores who have successfully leveraged their first year of collegiate experience to be extremely effective off the bench and who will likely continue to provide a tremendous boost to their teams this season.
KK Bransford, Notre Dame
Although the 5-foot-11 guard started this season sidelined with a leg injury, once she returned, she quickly reminded everyone why she’s going to be so valuable for the Fighting Irish. Playing only 11 minutes in her first game back, she was still able to fill the stat sheet with seven points, two rebounds, two assists, and one steal to help her team topple Northwestern 110-52. Three days later, when Sonia Citron was out with an injury, Bransford played almost triple those minutes and contributed 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and one block in their 79-68 win over Illinois. Her strength, size, and high basketball IQ allow her to step in and play multiple positions, and her explosiveness and relentlessness give her a huge advantage on both sides of the ball. Now averaging 9.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.8 steals after four games, there’s no doubt she’ll play a significant role for Notre Dame this year, especially when they have a condensed roster.
Bella Fontleroy, Baylor
Building on her experience from last season, Fontleroy continues to be a meaningful rotational player for the Bears. In Baylor’s recent 124-44 victory over McNeese, she helped her team set a new program record for made threes (17) by knocking down 4-of-8 from outside while also contributing seven rebounds and four assists. She was also a pivotal factor in Baylor’s 84-77 victory over then-No. 4 ranked Utah, playing 27 minutes and shooting 5-for-8 from the field while pulling down two rebounds. So although the 6-foot guard hasn’t started a game this season, her energy and versatility have earned her the third most minutes on the team. Now averaging 10.3 points and 5.0 rebounds, she has shown she can make critical momentum plays against tough opponents and has been a key piece in helping Baylor start the season with a 5-0 record and earn a No. 13 ranking in the latest AP poll.
Timea Gardiner, Oregon State
During her freshman year, ESPN’s No. 6 ranked player out of high school was only able to play in 15 games due to a medical issue. Now back to full health, the 6-foot-3 forward is averaging 10.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists and has already notched a 16-point, 13-rebound double-double as part of the Beavers’ 86-48 victory over UC Davis. Gardiner has proven to be an extremely poised stretch forward who helps draw double-teams away from her frontcourt teammates with her proficient 3-point shooting—where she leads her team in attempts (16), makes (9), and efficiency (56.3 3P%). She’s also been outstanding on the boards and protecting the paint on the defensive end. As Gardiner continues to grow more comfortable on the floor and build her confidence in playing with physicality, there’s little question she’ll be a fantastic spark off the bench for her team.
Bri McDaniel, Maryland
In Maryland’s 68-59 victory over Green Bay this past weekend, McDaniel posted career-highs in both rebounds (8) and points (19), which included draining 11-of-12 at the free-throw line. The 5-foot-10 guard’s ability to attack the basket and draw a foul was pivotal in cementing the Terps’ win that night, and she has brought a similar energy and toughness to each of her games this season, making numerous hustle plays and being incredibly disruptive on the defensive end. Averaging 19.7 minutes, 9.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.4 steals across seven games, she has really elevated her role compared to her freshman season. As Maryland continues to refine its identity after losing two of last year’s seniors to the WNBA, McDaniel’s grit, competitiveness, and talent should continue to provide her with plenty of opportunities to contribute in a variety of ways.
Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda, Texas
Looking a lot more comfortable in her role for the Longhorns in her second year, the 6-foot-2 guard has also ramped up her production from last season in several areas, including points (8.3 vs 4.4 per game), rebounds (3.3 vs 2.2 per game), and assists (1.9 vs 0.9 per game) as well as her shooting efficiency (45.3 FG% vs 33.6 FG%). On a team that prioritizes being disciplined and playing with intensity, Mwenentanda has been putting in the work and trusting the process, and it’s been paying off in more opportunities for extended minutes. She gets back on defense, runs the floor well in transition, and can finish through contact in the paint or find the open spot to pull up for a jumper. As the Longhorns try to extend their pristine record and improve upon their No. 10 ranking, Mwenentanda’s versatility, humbleness, and work ethic will be a key piece to their success. It should be exciting to watch her growth continue throughout the season.
Ashlyn Watkins, South Carolina
Having all of South Carolina’s starters graduate after last season left a prime opportunity for the younger players to step up, and Watkins has done a remarkable job so far. Still playing for a No. 1 ranked team with an extremely talented roster, Watkins has doubled her time on the floor along with almost every other one of her stats from last season. Currently ranked fifth in the country in blocks (3.8 per game), the 6-foot-3 power forward is also averaging 10.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.4 steals and has already racked up two double-doubles. In South Carolina’s most recent win against Mississippi Valley State, she put up a season-high of 14 points in 20 minutes, shooting 7-for-8 from the field. Helping her team to a 5-0 record against several tough opponents, her athleticism, tenacity on the boards, and defensive prowess will no doubt continue to make her an essential piece for the Gamecocks.
As each of these sophomores keeps working to improve their skills, develop their physicality, and sharpen their understanding of the game, they’ll not only continue to be regularly relied upon for their teams off the bench, but they’ll no doubt be ready to take on even larger roles in the not-so-distant future.
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