The 9th ranked NC State Women’s Basketball team defeated Anderson last night in their lone preseason exhibition game last night.
The Wolfpack was without three of their key contributors last night. Senior Madison Hayes and Sophomore Zoe Brooks were out with ankle injuries, but their expected to return soon. Senior All-ACC Guard Aziaha James missed the contest due to a bone bruise.
5-Star True Freshman Zam Jones made quite the impression, leading the Wolfpack in scoring with 19 points (6-9 FG/2-5 3PT). She also chipped in 9 boards, 4 assists and 2 steals. Senior All-ACC Guard Saniya Rivers recorded a double-double of 14 points (6-11 FG) and 10 rebounds. She also led the team with 5 assists, and collected 2 steals.
With the absence of three key players, NC State’s starting lineup was:
Senior Guard Saniya Rivers
Freshman Guard Zam Jones
Sophomore Guard Laci Steele
Sophomore Forward Maddie Cox
Senior Center Lizzy Williamson
Williamson scored 10 points and grabbed 5 boards.
Besides Jones, three other Freshmen were productive off of the bench for the Wolfpack. Center Lorena Awou had 12 points (5-7 FG), 6 rebounds and 2 steals in 12 minutes. Guard Devyn Quigley had 10 points (3-9 FG) in 26 minutes. Forward Tilda Trygger had 8 points (3-7 FG), 4 rebounds and 2 blocks in 25 minutes. Quigley was a 4-Star prospect in the 2024 recruiting class according to ESPN, ranked 50th overall nationally.
Sophomore Center Mallory Collier made the most of her 14 minutes, with 8 points (3-3 FG) and 6 rebounds.
Hayes, Brooks and James weren’t the only players missing in action. NC State is also without Senior Center Caitlin Weimar, who transferred in this offseason from Boston. She will miss considerable time after having hip surgery.
As a team, NC State shot well (53.2%), and held Anderson to a poor 31.4% from the field.
The Wolfpack’s season opener is next Tuesday night at 7pm against ETSU.