Undefeated Sun Devils Ride “brand” to Perfect Start

Photo: Madison Sorenson/WCSN

Despite the cooler weather, it was blazing hot in Desert Financial Arena for Arizona State women’s basketball; the Sun Devils are off to their best start since 1990, and a handful of key factors are a big reason why. With the Briann January Classic looming for head coach Molly Miller’s squad, the undefeated unit is aiming to maintain its perfect 8-0 record.

Coming into the year, there was an expectation that a different culture was coming to Tempe. The defense was going to have a completely different look, and the energy engraved in the squad was going to be unlike anything ASU had seen before.

So far, it’s been more than that.

“I’ve got 14 new kids that have never played this brand,” Miller said. “[They’ve] never played with each other, and we’re finding ways.”

To begin the year, fifth-year guard Gabby Elliott and senior guard Marley Washenitz led the charge on paper, but the Sun Devil success has come from the deep roster that Miller brought with her.

Junior forward McKenna Brackens has shown up huge for the Sun Devils and is now second on the team in points per game with 14.6. Freshman guard Amaya Williams recently had a breakout performance, and fifth-year guard Last-Tear Poa finished with a double-double the last time they were on the hardwood. On any given day, a new face could show up in a big way, meaning even when ASU’s top performers are struggling, they have found other ways to win.

“I think we’re a versatile team,” Washenitz said. “We have a lot of different pieces, and it can be anyone’s night anytime.”

Despite being considered undersized down low, ASU has outrebounded its opponents by a margin of 9.8. Sophomore forward Heloisa Carrera, along with Elliott and Brackens, are among the top leaders in that category, leading Arizona State to third in the Big 12 with 43.8 boards a game.

On the defensive front, it has been as good as advertised. Miller’s squad has been aggressive, full-court pressing and picking up double teams, and sits at fourth in the Big 12 with a turnover margin of 4.88.

“As you know, a lot of our offense comes from our defense,” said Washenitz.

This stands true as the Sun Devils are averaging 10.5 steals per game, allowing for its offense to get quality looks in transition.

ASU may not have faced the toughest opponents to date, and while they certainly will have some real challenges towards the middle of their schedule, they have been impressive.