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Louisville women’s basketball will take on the Arizona Wildcats in a top 25 matchup

By Omar Thomas

Chelsie Hall, right, plays around with teammates Kianna Smith, center, and Mykasa Robinson before a recent practice. Hall is a 5-7 guard who comes to the Cards from Vanderbilt. Last season she led the SEC in free throw percentage (82.4). Oct. 26, 2021Louisville Women S Preseason Media Day
Chelsie Hall, right, plays around with teammates Kianna Smith, center, and Mykasa Robinson before a recent practice. Hall is a 5-7 guard who comes to the Cards from Vanderbilt. Last season she led the SEC in free throw percentage (82.4). Oct. 26, 2021Louisville Women S Preseason Media Day /
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The Louisville Cardinals women’s basketball team comes into the season with expectations of a Final Four appearance, after exiting last years NCAA tournament in the Elite 8 to Stanford.

This years team comes into the season with a No. 6 ranking, even after losing All-American guard Dana Evans (who just won a WNBA Championship in her rookie campaign with the Chicago Sky) .

The high ranking and even higher expectations for the Cardinals has a lot to do with what is expected from sensational sophomore guard Hailey Van Lith. This Washington (state) native is the definition of a WALKING BUCKET.

Mar 30, 2021; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Hailey Van Lith (10) reacts after a three-point basket against the Stanford Cardinal in the first half at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2021; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Hailey Van Lith (10) reacts after a three-point basket against the Stanford Cardinal in the first half at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Van Lith has the ability to score from all over the court with an array of moves that keeps defenders in a blender. The silky smooth southpaw has a deadly three ball, a jab step that would make Carmelo Anthony nod his head with approval, a pure mid-range jumper in which she shows the ability to stop on a dime, and an advanced lay-up package that allows her to finish amongst the trees when she attacks the basket.

ESPN’s preseason rankings of the top 25 players in NCAA women’s basketball has Van Lith ranked as the #18 best players in the country.

While the Cardinals will expect a lot from the sophomore, the secret sauce for this years team will be their strength in numbers!

Louisville has outstanding shooting at every position, and versatile athletic players with the ability to interchange defensively, and wear you out with their tenacious full court press.

I expect senior Kianna Smith to player a major role with her scoring prowess and veteran leadership. Look for her averages to increase across the board, and for her to exert her will onto the game.

Senior transfer (via Vanderbilt) Chelsie Hall should also be a key contributor to the team, as I expect her to only get better with time as she gets adjusted to her new role and responsibilities with the Cardinals.

The No. 22 ranked Arizona Wildcats come into tomorrows matchup with one victory already under their belt.

The Cardinals success in this top 25 early season showdown will hinge on their ability to keep the game sped up offensively, while forcing the Wildcats to succumb to their relentless defensive pressure.

The game can be viewed on ESPNU at 3:30 PM CT. 🖍

Next. Cards men's hoops wins 2021 opener. dark

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