Kansas State Wildcats
Overall Rank: #35
Conference Rank: #5 Big 12
Kansas State has been on a steady upward trajectory under head coach Jeff Mittie. The Wildcats have been to the NCAA Tournament in two consecutive seasons and have won at least one game as well. Fan support is at a high level in Manhattan for the Wildcats as they averaged 5,136 fans per game at Bramlage Coliseum last season which was good for 15th overall nationally. This combination of stability at head coach and great fan support allows Kansas State to be able to compete in the top half of the Big 12 on a consistent basis.
2016-17 Record: 23-11, 11-7
2016-17 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: Jeff Mittie
Coach Record: 61-38 at Kansas State, 515-273 overall
Key Departed Players (starters in bold)
Kindred Wesemann, Guard, 13.9 points per game
Breanna Lewis, Center, 13.9 points per game
Key Returning Players (starters in bold)
Karyla Middlebrook, Senior, Guard, 9.1 points per game
Shaelyn Martin, Senior, Guard, 4.7 points per game
Peyton Williams, Sophomore, Forward, 3.7 points per game
Kaylee Page, Senior, Forward, 6.2 points per game
Kayla Goth, Junior, Guard, 5.8 points per game
Key New Players
Cymone Goodrich, Freshman, Guard
Mary Lakes, Freshman, Center
Rachel Ranke, Freshman, Guard
Ashley Ray, Freshman, Center
Alisa Wiggins, Freshman, Guard
Anastasia Tsybaeva, Junior, Center, JC Transfer
Kali Jones, Junior, Forward, JC Transfer
Projection:
The offensive production of Kindred Wesemann and Breanna Lewis is going to be a challenge to replace as they combined for just under 28 points per game last season. Lewis was also a force on the boards averaging over eight per game. Karyla Middlebrook, Shaelyn Martin, and Peyton Williams will provide an experienced core in the starting lineup. Middlebrook will need to do a great job of keeping the offense in rhythm by distributing the basketball and not wasting possessions. Rachel Ranke, Mary Lakes, Cymone Goodrich, and Ashley Ray headline a deep and talented incoming class of freshman and junior college transfers. This infusion of quality young talent should be able to pick up most of the slack at both ends of the court. Look for the Wildcats to get better as the season goes along and peak as the calendar turns to February.
Projected Postseason Tournament: NCAA
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 67.5 (115th in nation, 8th in conference)
Scoring Defense: 62.4 (128, 3)
Field-Goal Percentage: 42.0 (82, 5)
Field-Goal Defense: 38.5 (99, 4)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 5.8 (168, 7)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 33.3 (96, 8)
Free-Throw Percentage: 67.8 (222, 7)
Rebound Margin: 1.8 (129, 7)
Assists Per Game: 14.7 (84,5)
Turnovers Per Game: 15.0 (128, 4)
Madness 2017 Women’s Basketball Recruit Rankings:
#83 Rachel Ranke
#102 Cymone Goodrich
