AMES – Iowa State’s newly added freshmen made their debut and significantly impacted the Cyclones’ first win of the season against Central College with 105-53 win.
Leaving Hilton with their first win, Iowa State showcased their new improved team as the rotation and chemistry between players created a well-controlled and heavily led game.
Freshman guard Reagan Wilson took to the court strongly, playing a tied high of 21 minutes with center, Audi Crooks.
Wilson led the team with six points and four rebounds after the first quarter. Overall walking away with a total of nine points, Wilson’s aggressiveness played a huge role in gaining the Cyclones possession of the ball and leaving her with two fouls.
Along with her speed, Wilson carried the defense with her ability to be around the court promptly to make strong plays and secure points.
“She works her butt off in practice every single day,” forward Addy Brown said. “She gets up there and makes rebounds. I told her to go out and be a monster and look for her own. Oftentimes she looks to pass first, but I think she was very aggressive tonight, which is going to help us throughout the season.”
In the end, Wilson’s ability to gain control of the ball easily led her to walk away with four assists and two rebounds. Although the team struggled with inconsistent 3-pointers throughout the game, Wilson went 3-for-4 from three, complementing the 43% of team points made by 3-pointers.
“Super proud of them, I was looking forward to seeing them take on Hilton because it’s super special,” Brown said. “Reagan even said she was going to cry when she subbed in.”
Wilson’s ability shown on the court not only surprised the audience but captured head coach Bill Fennelly’s attention, leading to the deciding factor of granting Wilson more playing time.
“She is going to play,” Fennelly said. “I think what you saw tonight from her and [Aili] Tanke show that they know what they are doing, they are very smart, they are ultra-competitive. I think [Wilson] has the best role model, mentor and teacher a young player could ever have; Emily Ryan.”
Already suffering from an injury this season, Wilson is doing all she can to prove her place.
“[Wilson] has done a great job, and obviously with Emily Ryan limiting minutes, she is going to get to play,” Fennelly said. “What you have seen [Wednesday] is what we have seen in practice on a pretty consistent basis and the kid is playing with a broken nose.”
Tanke showcased her first performance with a play of 20 minutes. Her incorporated plays were a huge factor in the team gaining opportunities. Tanke held the ability to attempt eight 3-point shots, although only making three her potential did not go unnoticed.
Tanke scored 11 points with a well-contributed one assist and one rebound.
