Iowa State Cyclones
Overall Rank: #12
Conference Rank: #2 Big 12
This might be Iowa State’s best opportunity to win a Big 12 title since they tied for it back in 1999-2000. Back then Baylor finished 2-14. Things have changed, but the Cyclones have remained relatively consistent during Coach Bill Fennelly’s long tenure leading the program. Last year Iowa State finished 12-6 in conference play, including a nice road win against the Lady Bears. With Ashley Joens leading the way, Iowa State should give Baylor a run for their money.
2020-21 Record: 17-11, 12-6
2020-21 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: Bill Fennelly
Coach Record: 540-284 at Iowa State, 706-337 overall
Key Departed Players (starters in bold)
Kristin Scott, Forward/Center, 11.7 ppg
Kylie Feuerbach, Guard, 5.5 ppg
Madison Wise, Guard/Forward, 4.4 ppg
Rae Johnson, Guard, 2.1 ppg
Key Returning Players (starters in bold)
Ashley Joens, Senior, Guard/Forward, 24.2 ppg
Lexi Donarski, Sophomore, Guard, 13.0 ppg
Emily Ryan, Sophomore, Guard, 8.1 ppg
Maggie Espenmiller-McGraw, Junior, Guard, 6.9 ppg
Aubrey Joens, Sophomore, Guard, 4.9 ppg
Izzi Zingaro, RS Freshman, Forward, 2.3 ppg
Morgan Kane, Junior, Forward, 1.1 ppg
Maddie Frederick, Junior, Guard, 0.3 ppg
Key New Players
Nyamer Drew, Sophomore, Forward, Transfer from Butler
Denae Fritz, Freshman, Guard
Beatriz Jordao, Senior, Center, Transfer from South Florida
Mary Kate King, Freshman, Guard
Maggie Vick, Freshman, Forward
Projection:
Joens had another amazing season in 2020-2021, averaging 24.2 points and 9.5 rebounds. The 6-1 wing shot 46.3 percent from the floor and 35.4 percent from beyond the arc. Lexi Donarski quickly emerged as a great secondary scoring option to Joens. The reigning Big 12 Freshman of the Year averaged 13.0 points per game and shot an impressive 41.1 percent from beyond the arc. Emily Ryan can score too, but she is the player who sets up her teammates and dished out 5.9 assists per game. With a year of experience under her belt, Ryan will be even more efficient and effective as a sophomore. Speaking of sophomores, Aubrey Joens, the younger sister of Ashley, proved to be a very good shooter who can add an offensive spark off the bench. Maggie Espenmiller-McGraw was a starter back in 2019-2020 and averaged 8.6 points and 3.4 assists. Last season she played in just nine games before suffering a season ending injury. That leaves Iowa State will plenty of superb options on the perimeter with the elder Joens again playing at the four spot. The bigger question is at the five spot where Kristin Scott needs to be replaced. Izzi Zingaro and Morgan Kane are the returning options but both played very limited minutes a season ago. Maggie Vick is a 6-2 forward that highlights the recruiting class, but the transfers are expected to handle most of the minutes in the frontcourt. Nyamer Drew and Beatriz Jordao may not be major scoring threats, but they should be able to hit the glass effectively and play solid defense.
Projected Postseason Tournament: NCAA
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 77.0 (19th in nation, 2nd in conference)
Scoring Defense: 71.4 (283, 6)
Field-Goal Percentage: 42.7 (71, 5)
Field-Goal Defense: 41.5 (231, 6)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 10.2 (3, 1)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 36.4 (22, 2)
Free-Throw Percentage: 82.7 (2, 1)
Rebound Margin: 2.3 (98, 3)
Assists Per Game: 14.4 (82, 6)
Turnovers Per Game:
Madness 2022 WNBA Draft Rankings:
#5 Ashley Joens
Madness 2021 Women’s Basketball Recruit Rankings:
#127 Maggie Vick
