Ashlynn has 990 career points (KK has 813)

[CL82]

Sorry, we’ve a bunch of injuries, you need to play and we are counting on you to be good!” Well, initially she was not good.

Agreed to disagree.

KK and Ash were incredible as freshman. Not perfect, but very impressive.

Let me add to the chorus of people who recognize and enjoy what Shade brings to the table on every single play. She is focused, and intense on both sides of the ball and is absolutely looking to make the best play regardless of whether it adds to her box score. She is just a pleasure to watch.

For what it's worth KK has also made a tremendous junior jump. I'm not wishing away the end of the season by any means, but I think next year is going to be pretty special for both of them.

 

[Bone Dog]

It’s true that Ash’s offensive numbers are lower this season than last. But her defensive numbers are the same or better. This is clear from her winshares and dbpm. Steals and assists are up too.

What I see is a remarkably steady ‘glue’ player who fills in all the gaps for the team. The shape of the team has changed a lot in each of her seasons and she has changed with it. Any assessment of Ash’s career should probably take notice of this.

• First year, it was a thin roster that thrust her into prime time minutes she could scarcely be ready for when she arrived. And yet she stood tall and carried her share of the burden. Two stars (Nika and Aaliyah) and one superstar set the tone and Ash responded.
• Second year, it was a much stronger roster, now with three superstars (Paige Azzi and Sarah) and a strong guard cohort that she played a key role in. And with the deeper roster came a much more intense defensive scheme that she thrived in.
• Third year, one superstar moved on and the other two raised their standard of play to an even higher level. The defense became even fiercer and more tightly organized, and Ash became even more central to that effort. Also, three other scorers joined the rotation (Allie Serah and Blanca) which shifted her responsibilities once again.

Who knows what Geno will need from Ash next season, but I’m confident she won’t let him down. That’s who she is. After Azzi and Serah move on, new faces will fill the gaps and create new opportunities. I suspect Sarah and Blanca will become the next super duo, assisted in the frontcourt by Jana and Olivia (and maybe even Ice Ayanna and Gandy), and the backcourt will push Ash and Allie even more into leadership roles, along with KK and Kayleigh. If all goes as I might wish, that now seasoned foursome will be assisted by Kelis Jovana and Morgan. Another deep roster seems possible with all new demands.

Through all the changes and the evolving expectations, Ash has been the rock Geno knows he can count on. What the team needs, Ash provides. Her career has been one of the most remarkable I’ve seen.

If Ash reaches 1400 points next season, it will be a testament to her steadiness. I don’t know what awaits Ash after college, but I think it’s a bad idea to bet against her grit and determination.

 

[Gus Mahler]

It’s true that Ash’s offensive numbers are lower this season than last. But her defensive numbers are the same or better. This is clear from her winshares and dbpm. Steals and assists are up too.

What I see is a remarkably steady ‘glue’ player who fills in all the gaps for the team. The shape of the team has changed a lot in each of her seasons and she has changed with it. Any assessment of Ash’s career should probably take notice of this.

• First year, it was a thin roster that thrust her into prime time minutes she could scarcely be ready for when she arrived. And yet she stood tall and carried her share of the burden. Two stars (Nika and Aaliyah) and one superstar set the tone and Ash responded.
• Second year, it was a much stronger roster, now with three superstars (Paige Azzi and Sarah) and a strong guard cohort that she played a key role in. And with the deeper roster came a much more intense defensive scheme that she thrived in.
• Third year, one superstar moved on and the other two raised their standard of play to an even higher level. The defense became even fiercer and more tightly organized, and Ash became even more central to that effort. Also, three other scorers joined the rotation (Allie Serah and Blanca) which shifted her responsibilities once again.

Who knows what Geno will need from Ash next season, but I’m confident she won’t let him down. That’s who she is. After Azzi and Serah move on, new faces will fill the gaps and create new opportunities. I suspect Sarah and Blanca will become the next super duo, assisted in the frontcourt by Jana and Olivia (and maybe even Ice Ayanna and Gandy), and the backcourt will push Ash and Allie even more into leadership roles, along with KK and Kayleigh. If all goes as I might wish, that now seasoned foursome will be assisted by Kelis Jovana and Morgan. Another deep roster seems possible with all new demands.

Through all the changes and the evolving expectations, Ash has been the rock Geno knows he can count on. What the team needs, Ash provides. Her career has been one of the most remarkable I’ve seen.

If Ash reaches 1400 points next season, it will be a testament to her steadiness. I don’t know what awaits Ash after college, but I think it’s a bad idea to bet against her grit and determination.

Nice post.