In a stunning display of talent, Ajae Petty, the senior forward for the University of Kentucky women’s basketball team, has earned the title of Southeastern Conference (SEC) Player of the Week. This achievement was announced by the league office on Tuesday, solidifying Petty’s exceptional skills on the court.
Petty’s standout performance came in a game against Tennessee Tech on Sunday, where she led her team to victory with a career-high 33 points and 15 rebounds. This remarkable feat places her in an elite group of Wildcats players, as only four individuals in the program’s history have achieved a 30-15 double-double. The last player to accomplish this feat was Valerie Still over a decade ago. Still, an all-time great for Kentucky, witnessed Petty’s success firsthand from the stands.
Not only did Petty’s performance secure her first-ever 30-plus point game, but it also marked her first 20-plus point game. This milestone for Petty is significant for the Kentucky team as well, as it is their first 30-plus point performance since Rhyne Howard dropped 32 points against LSU in March 2022.
Impressively, Petty’s game against Tennessee Tech was her fourth double-double of the season, a commendable achievement through just nine games in the 2023-24 season. Alongside her points and rebounds, Petty also contributed a steal, an assist, and three blocks, tying her career-high. These additional stats showcase the versatility and impact she brings to the court.
As a result of her outstanding performance, Petty now leads the SEC in field-goal percentage at an impressive 60.9%. Additionally, she ranks third in the league in rebounds, averaging 9.78 per game. These statistics highlight her dominance and contribution to the Kentucky team’s success.
This exceptional display follows another noteworthy game for Petty, where she scored 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds in a victory against Boston College, breaking a five-game losing streak for the Wildcats. At the time, this performance ranked as her second-best point performance in her career, further solidifying her impact on the court.
Fans of Kentucky women’s basketball can find more information about the team on the official website, UKathletics.com, or by following @KentuckyWBB on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Petty’s impressive performance has undoubtedly placed her in the spotlight, solidifying her reputation as a dominant force in SEC basketball.