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Message: [QUOTE="Huskee11, post: 5293597, member: 7171"] We will see Shade on the court a lot next season because she is a winner. Azzi had to miss the Iowa State game and in that game Shade scored UConn's first 14 points. Crooks had the first six for Iowa State. So at one point it was Shade 14, Crooks 6. Shade ended up with 20 in the first QUARTER and 27 for the game. Sometimes we forget just how good all these players are that Geno can summon. How many role players at other programs are capable of hanging 20 on a decent NCAA tournament level opponent in a quarter? When evaluating her situation, I also come back to the biggest game this group has faced, the championship game, and the stretch in the second half when an 11 point lead (50-39) became a 32 point lead (80-48). That may have been the most critical period in UConn WCBB in recent memory. Do they finally get number 12 or do they cough it up. Well, we know the answer to that one. They played heroically. And Ash was on the court the entire time and was a big factor especially with her rebounding and defense. Earlier she also hit one of the biggest shots in that game, the three at the end of the half that created a double digit lead and momentum going in. She is also a worker, a warrior, she will only get better. So there is no way she does not have a major role next season. When Geno goes "small" she will absolutely be out there. If he goes bigger then Azzi will play ahead of her at the 2. But she will still get her minutes, she has proven herself under fire. Her play in the nine game postseason last year was inconsistent offensively, but always sold defensively. In six of those nine games she logged 20 or more minutes and in the others she had 13, 13 and 17. 20 in the South Carolina game. With the other players who will be on the floor at important moments, she will not need to be a primary scoring option but will be a "glue" defender, rebounder, team player, and as well an offensive threat that needs to be accounted for. One way or the other, starter or rotation player, she will be a major factor in 2025-2026. I think she will probably start at the three but maybe Blanca or Caroline will prove me wrong. Either way, she will get significant minutes. [/QUOTE]

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