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Kami Wadsworth lines up free throw attempt
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Cougars Kick Off 2025 with Road Test at Minnesota Crookston

12/31/2024 10:08:00 AM

By: Clint Neumann

Weekend Matchup Preview 

The University of Sioux Falls Cougars (6-8, 2-5 NSIC) will hit the road to face the Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagles (5-7, 3-3 NSIC) in a Saturday afternoon clash at Lysaker Gymnasium. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 PM. With both teams aiming to solidify their position in the NSIC standings, this game promises intense action as the Cougars look to snap a four-game skid while the Golden Eagles aim to build on recent momentum. 

Scouting Minnesota Crookston 

Under second-year head coach Natalie Moynihan, the Golden Eagles showcase a balanced mix of inside and perimeter play. Minnesota Crookston averages 65.5 points per game (8th NSIC) while conceding 68.0 points on average. Their offense is led by junior guard Emma Miller, who tops the NSIC in scoring at 21.9 points per game and contributes 5.3 rebounds. Nicole Hernandez dominates the paint with 8.4 rebounds per game, a conference-best 3.5 blocks, and a consistent defensive presence. The Golden Eagles also average 36.3 rebounds per game but face challenges in rebounding margin and three-point shooting, ranking 12th and 10th in the conference, respectively. 

Key Players to Watch 

  • Emma Miller: The engine of Crookston's offense, Miller is a lethal scorer, averaging 21.9 points per game. Her ability to create her own shot and convert in clutch moments makes her a constant threat. Adding 5.3 rebounds per game, Miller also contributes on the boards. 

  • Nicole Hernandez: A versatile forward, Hernandez anchors the paint for the Golden Eagles with 8.4 rebounds and a league-leading 3.5 blocks per game. Her shot-altering ability on defense and knack for cleaning the glass will be critical in this matchup. 

  • Riley Jenkins: Jenkins provides the Golden Eagles with secondary scoring, averaging 11.3 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. Her shooting accuracy (44.1%) and rebounding make her a valuable two-way player. 

Head-to-Head History 

The Cougars have historically dominated this matchup, holding a 10-3 all-time record against Minnesota Crookston. USF has won nine of the last ten meetings, including eight straight victories from 2016 to 2022. However, Crookston edged out a surprising overtime win in 2023. Last season, the Cougars rebounded with a 56-48 defensive victory.

Cougars at a Glance 

Guided by head coach Travis Traphagen, the Cougars are aiming to regain form. Despite recent setbacks, USF's scoring balance and defensive tenacity remain key strengths. USF is fourth in the NSIC in scoring offense (71.7 PPG) and first in free-throw shooting (77.1%). With a strong inside-out game led by Wadsworth and Phipps and supported by Vaaler and Rose, the Cougars are poised to make a statement. 

Key Players to Watch 

  • Kami Wadsworth: The sophomore standout leads the Cougars with 16.3 points per game and is a model of efficiency, shooting 44.0% from the field and 85.9% from the free-throw line. Wadsworth's ability to attack the rim and hit timely jumpers makes her the focal point of USF's offense. 

  • Aby Phipps: Phipps has been a consistent interior presence, averaging 8.7 points and 6.1 rebounds. Her ability to finish in the paint and draw fouls (82.1% free-throw shooter) provides USF with a reliable scoring option down low. 

  • Anna Vaaler: The freshman guard has emerged as a sharpshooter, averaging 8.9 points and connecting on 38.8% of her three-point attempts. Vaaler's floor-spacing ability will be crucial to opening up driving lanes for her teammates. 

  • Alexis Rose: Rose offers another perimeter threat, contributing 9.4 points per game while shooting 33.3% from deep. Her versatility on both ends of the court makes her a key player to watch.

Keys to Victory for the Cougars 

  1. Contain Emma Miller: The Cougars must prioritize limiting the impact of Crookston's top scorer. A mix of aggressive on-ball defense and timely help defense will be essential to disrupting her rhythm. 

  1. Dominate the Paint: Leveraging the size and scoring abilities of Wadsworth and Phipps inside will be key. Out-rebounding Crookston, particularly on the offensive glass, could create extra scoring opportunities. 

  1. Hit the Long Ball: With Crookston's three-point defense ranking last in the NSIC, USF's sharpshooters—Vaaler, Rose, and Fannin—have an opportunity to make a big impact from beyond the arc. 

  1. Protect the Ball: Crookston excels at forcing turnovers (13.7 per game). USF must prioritize ball security and avoid unforced errors that lead to fast-break points for the Golden Eagles. 

  1. Effort in Transition: The Cougars will need to sprint back on defense to cut off transition opportunities for Crookston, who thrives in fast-break situations. 

Fan Information 

  • Live Stats: Follow along with live statistics here. 

  • Radio: Tune in to KWSN 98.1 FM / 1230 AM with Tom Frederick on the call. 

  • Social Media: Get updates on Twitter (@USFCougarsWBB) and Instagram (@USFCougarsWBB). 

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