Iowa State Cyclones
Overall Rank: #40
Conference Rank: #4 Big 12
Iowa State has been consistently successful under Coach Bill Fennelly, but they have not made a big NCAA Tournament run since their Sweet Sixteen trip in 2010. Last year the Cyclones had a great regular season, but were upset in the second round of the tournament by 11th seeded Missouri State. Without Bridget Carleton, who led the team with 21.7 points per game, Iowa State may take a step back this year.
2018-19 Record: 26-9, 13-5
2018-19 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: Bill Fennelly
Coach Record: 504-261 at Iowa State, 670-321 overall
Key Departed Players (starters in bold)
Bridget Carleton, Guard, 21.7 ppg
Alexa Middleton, Guard, 10.1 ppg
Meredith Burkhall, Forward, 4.7 ppg
Key Returning Players (starters in bold)
Ashley Joens, Sophomore, Guard/Forward, 11.7 ppg
Maddison Wise, Junior, Guard/Forward, 8.0 ppg
Kristen Scott, Junior, Forward/Center, 12.8 ppg
Ines Nezerwa, Senior, Forward, 4.5 ppg
Adriana Camber, Senior, Guard/Forward, 2.5 ppg
Rae Johnson, Junior, Guard, 1.9 ppg
Key New Players
Maggie Espenmiller-McGraw, Freshman, Guard
Maddie Frederick, RS Freshman, Guard
Morgan Kane, RS Freshman, Forward
Gabby McBride, Freshman, Forward
Lindsey Jarosinski, Sophomore, Forward/Center, Transfer from Wake Forest not eligible
Projection:
Ashley Joens had a great freshman season, averaging 11.7 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. The 6-0 wing is a prolific outside shooter and should only be better with a year of experience under her belt. Maddison Wise started all 35 games last year too, averaging 8.0 points per game. Kristen Scott, a 6-3 junior, started 17 games a year ago and was second on the team with 12.8 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. Joens, Wise and Scott are a good trio to work around, but there are a couple seniors in Ines Nezerwa and Adriana Camber who have some experience too. Coach Fennelly also has four very talented freshmen who are capable of making a big impact. Maddie Frederick and Morgan Kane both redshirted last season and have at least been around for a year, but do not be surprised if true freshman Maggie Espenmiller-McGraw and Morgan Kane work their way into the regular rotation as well. If Iowa State can get some consistency and depth from the freshmen, this team will get back to the NCAA Tournament. However, it may not be a very long trip.
Projected Postseason Tournament: NCAA
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 78.9 (13th in nation, 2nd in conference)
Scoring Defense: 64.0 (159. 5)
Field-Goal Percentage: 44.4 (30, 2)
Field-Goal Defense: 37.4 (55, 3)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 8.7 (21, 1)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 33.2 (93, 4)
Free-Throw Percentage: 79.3 (2, 1)
Rebound Margin: 4.3 (65, 4)
Assists Per Game: 15.6 (47, 2)
Turnovers Per Game: 13.5 (53, 3)
Madness 2019 Women’s Basketball Recruit Rankings:
#109 Maggie McGraw
