After a commanding 99-34 victory against Sacred Heart, Iowa State is gearing up to face Valparaiso in their first-ever matchup. The Cyclones enter the contest with an impressive 3-0 record, while the Beacons look to secure their first victory of the season, sitting at 0-2.
Iowa State’s successful start can be attributed to strong team camaraderie, as noted by Head Coach Bill Fennelly. “It’s great now we haven’t lost yet, that’s all coming, but that’s all part of it too. This group connection is going to go on way beyond their days here, and that’s pretty cool,” he shared with optimism about the team’s cohesion.
Statistically, Iowa State appears to be the stronger team heading into this game. A standout player is junior center Audi Crooks, who is coming off a recent recognition on the Big 12 Starting Five list and leads the Cyclones with an average of 23.3 points per game. Valparaiso’s top scorer, senior guard Fiona Connolly, averages 15.5 points.
Another key player for Iowa State is junior forward Addy Brown, who ranks 26th on the PostHer Hoops list of top 100 players, contributing significantly with an average of 9 rebounds per game. In contrast, Valparaiso’s rebound leader is redshirt junior center Kamryn Winch, averaging 8 per game.
Free throw performance has also showcased some Cyclone excellence; Brown and redshirt junior forward Alisa Williams both maintain a perfect record from the line, while Valparaiso’s freshman guard Autumn Dibb leads her team with four successful attempts.
Additionally, Iowa State’s junior guard Jada Williams is recognized for her defensive skills, ranking among the top 30 defenders in the PostHer list. She also leads the Cyclones with 17 assists, compared to Valparaiso’s assist leader, senior guard Mikayla Huffine, who has six assists this season.
Both teams have seen contributions from their freshmen, with Iowa State’s Reese Beaty making an impact by averaging 16 minutes, 8 points, and 3.3 rebounds per game. Crooks praised her athleticism and resilient mindset, highlighting her as a valuable addition. Valparaiso’s leading freshman, Allia von Schlegell, is also contributing with an average of 8 points and 2 assists per game.
The Cyclones and Beacons will take to the court for the first time at Hilton Coliseum at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, with the game available for viewing on ESPN+. As both teams prepare to make their mark in this exciting matchup, fans are anticipating a thrilling encounter that could shape the early narrative of their respective seasons.