Well, you got your wish - a showcase opportunity for Ash. We all shall be waiting and hoping to see her play at the level necessary to (as you say) become the heir apparent to Paige and acclaimed leader of the future.
I am so hopeful that Ashlynn absolutely goes off and scores 16 to 20 points against Notre Dame! For her to score something like that may be necessary if UConn expects a win. Ash is certainly capable of it, she was on pace against Louisville just the other night. And she does play very good defense and is an Energizer Bunny who does not get tired!
Ashlynn had a curious stat line in last January's Notre Dame game: 6-for-12 from the field, but 0-for-6 from distance. That means that she made 100% of her 2-point shots. I watched the replay and thought that she played well, although she never was asked to guard Hidalgo.
It has been a long time since she got enough playing time to score 18. (I ignore the final games of last year, when she was gassed.)
I think, but don't know, that Ash now realizes that she should go to her mid-range game when 3s are tough.
Overall, when open both mid-range and 3-point shots are good options. The last thing you want to do to a shooter is make her think.
Yup--but Ashlynn has a brain, which I hope she'll keep under wraps. Shoot the damn ball, Ash!